ZARIA, Kaduna State — A suspected outbreak of diphtheria in Zaria has claimed the lives of at least three children, with six others currently infected, according to local health officials.
The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Bello Jamoh, confirmed the development, noting that the outbreak has persisted in the state for the past 10 months, beginning in October 2024.
Jamoh said the Kaduna State Ministry of Health is spearheading the response, supported by health partners and stakeholders. A team of medical experts is also set to be deployed to intensify efforts to curb the disease and provide urgent medical care.
One of the affected residents, Malam Bashir-Magaji Basharata of Kwarbai, shared his painful experience, revealing that his daughter was among the victims. According to him, she developed a swollen neck, difficulty in breathing and speaking, and was rushed to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, she did not survive.
“Soon after my daughter’s death, three other children developed the same symptoms,” Basharata said. “I alerted the local health department, and they responded by dispatching vaccinators to our area.”
He reported that two children from a neighbour’s household and another girl from a nearby street were also infected. Additionally, four children showing similar symptoms were admitted to the Kakaki Primary Health Care Clinic, though only one had been discharged at the time of his last visit.
Basharata raised concerns about a widespread shortage of diphtheria vaccines in Kaduna State, stating that members of the visiting medical team said they had to source the vaccines from neighbouring Niger State.
Health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious symptoms to the nearest health facility as containment efforts continue.
