Kano State Government Swiftly Responds to Diphtheria Outbreak at IDH Hospital

By Musa Abdullahi Sufi

KANO, August 6, 2025 – The Kano State Hospitals Management Board has taken urgent action in response to the worsening diphtheria situation at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), with the Executive Secretary personally visiting the facility to assess immediate needs and coordinate intervention efforts.

According to a public notice released by the Board’s Public Relations Officer, Samira Suleiman, the visit prompted the swift deployment of essential consumables to support patient care. The intervention comes amid rising concerns over the spread of the deadly diphtheria virus, which has triggered a health emergency in parts of the state.

In a strong show of commitment, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the immediate purchase and supply of critical medications to IDH.

Additionally, adequate oxygen supplies are being delivered to ensure effective management of emergency and severe diphtheria cases.

To bolster the hospital’s capacity, additional trained diphtheria health workers are being deployed without delay, the statement confirmed.

As part of precautionary measures, the Board is urging the public to adopt preventive actions, including limiting visits to patients at the hospital to reduce the risk of transmission. Members of the public are also advised to remain alert to the symptoms of diphtheria and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following are observed:
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Thick gray or white coating on the throat or tonsils
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nasal discharge (especially in children)
• Rapid heartbeat

“Early detection and treatment can save lives. Do not ignore any of these symptoms. Protect yourself and others by acting swiftly,” the notice stressed.

The Kano State Hospitals Management Board also expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation during this critical time and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through responsive and proactive strategies.

This latest development comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Kano State Government to strengthen the health sector and mitigate the impact of communicable disease outbreaks across the state.i