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. This move aims to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure prompt reporting of 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. This includes monitoring for symptoms such as 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, which can take between two and five days to appear after exposure. Health authorities have identified this and other symptoms as key indicators of diphtheria. 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 deaths have been reported. The state government has taken measures to contain the disease and prevent further transmission.
The Sokoto State government has strengthened interventions in schools to prevent the spread of diphtheria. Dr Wurno said suspected cases should be referred to designated health facilities, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Specialist Hospital, and Amanawa General Hospital in Sokoto. Parents and guardians are urged to ensure that children are fully vaccinated against diphtheria, as vaccination is the most effective way of preventing the disease.
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 stress that vaccination is key to preventing diphtheria. Children are expected to receive routine DPT or pentavalent vaccination, including the recommended doses and boosters. 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 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. This taskforce aims to enhance the response to the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease. Key measures include enhanced surveillance, vaccination drives, and public awareness campaigns to educate people on the risks and prevention of diphtheria.
Key points
- Sokoto State schools are on high alert following diphtheria cases in the state and neighbouring areas.
- Authorities have directed school principals to monitor students and staff for symptoms and report suspected cases to health authorities.
- Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing diphtheria, with medical authorities stressing the importance of routine DPT or pentavalent vaccination.
