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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
Schools across Sokoto State have been placed on heightened surveillance following reports of diphtheria cases in parts of the state and outbreaks in neighbouring states.
The Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has directed school principals to closely monitor students and staff for symptoms associated with the potentially life-threatening bacterial infection and immediately report suspected cases to health authorities.
The directive follows concerns over the spread of diphtheria in several northern states, including Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara.
The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ahmad Ladan Ala, said schools had been directed to strengthen hygiene practices, maintain clean learning environments and ensure that unusual symptoms among students or staff are promptly reported.
Symptoms identified for monitoring include sore throat, hoarseness, mild fever, chills, swollen glands in the neck, weakness, fatigue, runny nose, cough and difficulty swallowing or breathing. A thick greyish membrane in the throat is also a characteristic sign of the disease.
Health authorities said symptoms may appear between two and five days after exposure.
According to the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, a small number of diphtheria cases have been recorded in the state since January 2026, but no death has been reported.
Wurno said the state government had taken measures to contain the disease and prevent further transmission, including strengthening interventions in schools.
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He said that suspected cases should be referred to the designated health facilities, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Specialist Hospital and Amanawa General Hospital in Sokoto.
He urged parents and guardians to ensure that children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria.
According to him, diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the throat, nose, tonsils and larynx.
“In severe cases, the toxin produced by the bacteria can damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system and may cause life-threatening breathing difficulties.”
“The infection spreads mainly through respiratory droplets from infected people, prolonged close contact and contact with contaminated objects or materials.”
Medical authorities identify vaccination as the most effective way of preventing the disease. Children are expected to receive routine DPT or pentavalent vaccination, including the recommended doses and boosters, while people who have not been fully vaccinated are encouraged to complete their vaccination.
Other preventive measures include regular handwashing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with suspected or confirmed cases, maintaining clean environments and promptly isolating and treating suspected cases.
The Federal Government has also established an Emergency National Taskforce to coordinate the response to the diphtheria situation, with Sokoto’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, serving as a member.
