Source: Agency Report

Diphtheria bacteria

A suspected diphtheria outbreak in Zaria, Kaduna State has left at least three children dead and six others infected, sparking concern among residents and health officials over the rapid spread of the disease.

Outbreak Timeline and Current Situation

According to Bello Jamoh, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, the outbreak has persisted for 10 months, dating back to October 2024.

Jamoh stated that the Kaduna State Ministry of Health is coordinating the response, with support from various health partners and stakeholders. He also confirmed that a specialist team would be deployed to strengthen containment efforts and support medical care in affected communities.

Firsthand Account: A Father’s Pain

Bashir-Magaji Basharata, a resident of Kwarbai, Zaria, who lost his daughter to the outbreak, said the illness is spreading rapidly across the city.

“My daughter had a swollen neck, difficulty breathing and speaking. We rushed her to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, but she didn’t survive,” Basharata shared.

He said shortly after her death, three more children in the area began showing similar symptoms. He alerted the local council health department, which responded by deploying a vaccination team to the neighborhood.

Other Cases Reported

• Two children from a neighbor’s household were affected.
• One girl from a nearby street also fell ill.
• Four children were admitted to Kakaki Primary Health Care Clinic, with only one discharged as of Basharata’s last visit.

Vaccine Access Concerns

Basharata expressed alarm that diphtheria vaccines were unavailable across Kaduna State. He said the medical team that visited the area sourced vaccines from Niger State, highlighting a troubling shortage in local supply chains.

“It’s disheartening that during an outbreak, we can’t access vaccines locally. This is a public health emergency,” he said.

About Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the throat and nose, causing symptoms like:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Swollen neck
• Breathing difficulties

It is especially dangerous for children and can lead to death if untreated. The disease is preventable through vaccination, which is typically included in routine childhood immunizations.