By Muhammad Dayyabu Ali, PRO KNCDC
In response to a request from the Kano State House of Assembly to verify the actual situation concerning reports of increased diphtheria cases in Rurum Ward, Rano Local Government Area,
The Director General, Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas swiftly mobilized the state rapid response team (RRT) alongside LGAs Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and Catchment area DSNOs to the affected community for a comprehensive outbreak investigation and response.
It would be recalled that on 22nd October, 2025, the State Epidemiologist and a technical team were earlier at Rurum Ward for preliminary assessment and active case review. The latest visit followed the directive of the State House of Assembly to obtain firsthand facts and ensure evidence-based communication to the public.
Upon arrival, the RRT immediately commenced coordinated response actions.
The team visited key health facilities, including the Rano Emirate Special Hospital, the Diphtheria and Communicable Disease Response Centre, and the Primary Health Care Hospital, where they met with health officials to assess the level of preparedness, surveillance activities, and case management efforts.
Strategic meetings were also held with health authorities, including Muktar Muhammad Sani, Chief Medical Officer of Rano Emirate Special Hospital, and Dr. Idris Ibn Garba, Zonal Chief Medical Director. Immediately afterward, an active case search was carried out across all health facilities visited.
Encouragingly, no new mortality was recorded, apart from the four previously documented cases reported by both the state and national RRTs.
The team further engaged the District Head of Rurum, Alhaji Ado Yusif, and the Ward Head of Tsohon Gari, Malam Amadu Haruna Katanga, alongside other traditional and community leaders.
The team also visited Makara Huta for follow up and to condole once again with Malam Zaharadeen Ado, who lost four children to diphtheria in the previous outbreak, and reassured the community of government’s ongoing commitment to addressing the issue and preventing recurrence.
Speaking to media correspondents, the Director of Disease, Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (DHEPR), Doctor Abdulwahab Kabir Sulaiman, who represented the Director General, KNCDC, Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas, explained that the major symptoms of diphtheria include sore throat, fever, difficulty in breathing, swollen neck (Bull neck), and a thick gray coating on the throat and tonsils.
He noted that anyone experiencing such symptoms should immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility rather than traditional healers, which could worsen the illness. He also emphasized that routine immunization, hygiene, avoiding overcrowding, and early reporting of suspected cases remain critical preventive measures.
Dr. Abdulwahab commended the Kano State Government, under His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusif, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusif, and the Director General, KNCDC, Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, for their swift response and strong coordination with partners such as NCDC and WHO and other partners in strengthening outbreak control and community sensitization efforts across the state.
