Health Authorities Confirm Diphtheria Outbreak at Kano Girls School

Health authorities in Kano State confirmed 12 cases of diphtheria at a boarding school on Wednesday, prompting an emergency medical response to contain the outbreak.

The outbreak was detected at the First Lady's College in Mariri, located within the Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.

The boarding school houses more than 2,000 students, creating concerns about the potential rapid spread of the contagious bacterial disease among the population.

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control deployed a rapid response team to the campus after receiving notification of the health emergency.

Officials tested 313 suspected cases among the students and confirmed 12 positive results during active searches conducted across the school premises.

Medical workers administered preventive medication to all suspected contacts and educated the remaining students on how to avoid infection.

One student suffering from severe symptoms was transferred to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Kano for specialized medical treatment.

Other affected students are currently receiving medical care directly within the school facilities under the supervision of health authorities.

Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abbas, the Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, said the agency moved quickly to investigate the situation.

"We received the report on Wednesday and went there immediately for investigation and response aimed at curtailing further spread of the disease," said Abbas.

Abbas warned that the institution faces a serious shortage of medical supplies needed to execute a comprehensive immunization campaign.

"There is a need for massive vaccination in the school, which we presently do not have. We have to ask for more vaccines to administer to the students," said Abbas.

Health officials continue to monitor disease reports through surveillance officers stationed across the 44 local government areas of Kano State.

Authorities have not yet announced when additional vaccine supplies will arrive at the school to begin the requested immunization drive.