By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has placed schools across the state on heightened alert following concerns over diphtheria cases reported in parts of Nigeria.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education announced the precautionary measures in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Ibrahim Muhammad Iya.
According to the statement, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmad Ladan Ala, directed principals and school administrators across the state to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspected symptoms among students and staff.
Ala said the state government had intensified preventive measures to reduce the risk of an outbreak in schools, particularly amid reports of diphtheria cases in neighbouring states.
Principals were directed to maintain close surveillance of students and staff, strengthen hygiene practices, promote regular handwashing and ensure clean learning environments.
They were also instructed to report suspected cases or unusual symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility and notify the appropriate authorities.
The ministry identified symptoms requiring attention as sore throat, hoarseness, mild fever, chills, swollen glands in the neck, weakness, fatigue, runny nose, cough, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and the development of a thick greyish membrane in the throat.
It said symptoms could develop within two to five days after exposure and advised that suspected cases should be referred promptly for medical assessment.
The ministry listed Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Specialist Hospital and Amanawa General Hospital among facilities where suspected cases could be referred.
Parents and guardians were also advised to ensure that their children are fully vaccinated in line with the recommended immunisation schedule.
Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, said some cases had been recorded in parts of the state since January 2026 but maintained that no deaths had been recorded from the disease in Sokoto during the period.
Wurno said the state government had taken measures to contain the disease and strengthen surveillance across communities and schools.
The commissioner is also a member of the Federal Government’s Emergency National Task Force established to coordinate the response to diphtheria.
Diphtheria is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by toxin-producing strains of Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the nose and throat and can cause breathing difficulties and other severe complications if not treated promptly.
The disease can spread through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated objects.
Health authorities say vaccination remains one of the most effective ways of preventing diphtheria, alongside early detection, prompt medical treatment, good hygiene and isolation of suspected cases where appropriate.
Other preventive measures include regular handwashing with soap and water, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with suspected infected persons, maintaining clean environments and promptly reporting suspected cases to health authorities.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
