The Kano State Government has begun investigating reports of suspected diphtheria and cerebrospinal meningitis in parts of the state, following claims that several residents may have died from the illnesses.
Health officials, through the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), carried out case management activities, community sensitisation, and sample collection in Gamji Village, Garko Local Government Area, according to a statement released on Sunday.
The response followed media reports alleging deaths linked to a possible infectious disease outbreak in the community.
The Director-General of KNCDC, Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas, said a team of medical and public health experts was deployed to the village on Saturday to assess the situation and verify the claims.
“The exercise was conducted to confirm the reports and evaluate the health status of residents,” the statement said.
During the visit, health workers conducted a detailed epidemiological assessment, dividing into four teams to carry out house-to-house visits across the community. The teams identified residents with symptoms, conducted clinical assessments, and ensured that every household was reached.
Samples were collected from individuals who showed signs of illness and sent for laboratory testing to determine the cause of the reported cases.
Officials said free medications were provided to affected residents as part of immediate response efforts, alongside basic medical guidance for households with suspected cases.
The intervention, according to KNCDC, was aimed at reducing health risks, improving patient outcomes, and preventing the potential spread of communicable diseases.
Health workers also held sensitisation sessions, urging residents to seek medical care promptly when symptoms appear and to report suspected outbreaks early to health authorities.
The awareness campaign was extended to local mosques, where residents were educated on disease prevention, early detection, and the importance of cooperating with health officials during public health emergencies.
Professor Abbas said the state government remains committed to protecting public health and noted that KNCDC would continue to closely monitor the situation while awaiting laboratory test results, which will guide any further action.
KNCDC had earlier carried out similar public health interventions in Durmawa and Tiga communities in Bebeji Local Government Area following reports of suspected diphtheria cases.
