The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has issued an urgent public health advisory following a recent increase in diphtheria cases across some parts of the state, with children accounting for the majority of infections.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Ministry said the outbreak has prompted intensified efforts to contain the disease and appealed to parents, caregivers, schools, and community leaders to take immediate preventive measures to protect vulnerable children.
According to the Ministry, diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the nose and throat and spreads through coughing, sneezing, close physical contact with infected persons, or sharing contaminated personal items.
It warned that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated children face the greatest risk of developing severe complications that could result in death.
Health authorities urged residents to be vigilant for symptoms including sore throat, fever, chills, difficulty swallowing, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, swelling of the neck—commonly known as “bull neck”—and a thick grey or white membrane covering the throat or tonsils.
The Ministry emphasized that early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving survival rates, advising parents and caregivers to take anyone showing symptoms immediately to the nearest health facility. It also cautioned against self-medication or relying solely on traditional remedies.
As part of its response, the Ministry called on parents to ensure their children receive all routine vaccinations and encouraged those who have missed scheduled immunizations to visit the nearest Primary Health Care (PHC) Centre for free catch-up vaccination services. Residents were also advised to maintain good hand hygiene, observe proper cough etiquette, and avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of the disease.
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The Kaduna State Ministry of Health said it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, development partners, and health facilities to strengthen disease surveillance, provide treatment, expand immunisation, and contain the outbreak.
It appealed to members of the public to remain calm while adhering to public health guidelines, stressing that timely reporting of suspected cases and complete vaccination remain the most effective measures for preventing the spread of diphtheria.
“Together, we can stop diphtheria,” the Ministry said, urging residents to seek immediate medical attention for anyone experiencing symptoms of the disease”.
