Sokoto alerts schools over diphtheria outbreak

The Sokoto State government has alerted schools to monitor students and staff for diphtheria symptoms following reported cases in neighbouring states. According to the Daily Post Nigeria, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmad Ladan Ala, directed schools to intensify preventive measures.

Schools have been advised to monitor the health of students and staff and promptly report suspected cases. The ministry identified symptoms of diphtheria to include sore throat, hoarseness, mild fever and chills, swollen glands in the neck, weakness, fatigue, runny nose or cough, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and the development of a thick greyish membrane in the throat.

The ministry also advised schools to refer anyone showing suspected symptoms to appropriate health facilities, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Specialist Hospital and Amanawa General Hospital in Sokoto. Parents and guardians were advised to ensure their children receive recommended vaccinations.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Daily Post Nigeria — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.