Diphtheria: Sokoto Govt Puts Schools On ‘Red Alert’ 

Diphtheria: Sokoto Govt Puts Schools On ‘Red Alert’

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government has put schools across the state on ‘red alert’ sequel to the outbreak of the debilitating Diphtheria disease in some parts of Nigeria.

This came to the fore via a press statement issued by the spokesperson of the Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ibrahim Muhammad Iya on the obnoxious development.

In the statement, Iya quoted the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmad Ladan Ala as urging principals of schools across the state to be extra vigilant for any signs and symptoms of the disease among students and report same promptly.

Ala was further quoted as averring that the state government has scaled up measures to guard against the possible outbreak of the disease among students, as Diphtheria has been wreaking havoc in some neighbouring states.

According to the statement, principals have been directed to maintain close and continuous surveillance of students and staff, strengthen hygiene practices through regular handwashing and clean learning environments, and ensure that any suspected case or unusual symptoms are reported immediately to the nearest health facility and the ministry.

The ministry listed symptoms to watch out for 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, noting that symptoms could emerge between two and five days after exposure.

It advised that anyone exhibiting such symptoms be referred immediately to Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Specialist Hospital and Amanawa General Hospital in Sokoto, while parents and guardians were advised to ensure their children are fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno has insisted that although some ‘negligible’ cases had been reported in parts of Sokoto State from January 2026 to date, “there has been no loss of any life.”

Dr Wurno further maintained that the state government had since proactively taken a myriad of plausible measures to stem the tide of the disease across the state including in schools.

The Federal Government had since set up an Emergency National Taskforce to deal with the menace of Diphtheria, of which the Sokoto State Health Commissioner, Dr. Faruk Wurno is a member.

Our Correspondent in Sokoto recalls that the disease has unfortunately claimed many lives in some states including Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara States.

Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection. It is a vaccine-preventable disease that primarily affects the throat, nose, tonsils and larynx, where it produces a thick greyish-white false membrane that can block the airway, making it difficult to breathe or swallow.

In severe cases, the bacteria produce a potent toxin that enters the bloodstream and can damage the heart muscle, kidneys, nerves and cause bleeding problems.

The overall case fatality rate is between 5 to 10 per cent, with higher death rates among young children and adults above 40 years.

The disease is caused by toxin-producing strains of the bacterium known as Corynebacterium diphtheriae.

 It spreads via person-to-person transmission through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, prolonged close contact, direct contact with infectious skin lesions or articles soiled with discharges from lesions such as cups, towels and toys, as well as through contaminated clothing and objects.

The incubation period is between two to five days after exposure. Any unvaccinated person is at risk, though children under five years in crowded and unsanitary environments with low vaccination coverage are most vulnerable.

Medical experts say vaccination remains the most efficacious measure. Children should receive three doses of DPT/Pentavalent vaccine at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, with booster doses, while adults need Td boosters every 10 years. All unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated persons should complete their doses.

 Other measures include early detection and prompt treatment with diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics such as penicillin or erythromycin, regular handwashing with soap, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with infected persons, maintaining clean environments, isolation of suspected cases, strengthening school surveillance and prompt referral to designated health facilities.