Diphtheria Concerns: Kano Health Commissioner Cautions Against Unnecessary Gatherings

From Our Correspondent

The Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, has issued a stern caution to the public, urging them to avoid unnecessary gatherings in an effort to protect themselves and others from the threat of diphtheria.

In an official statement released by the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry and disseminated to various media outlets, Dr.

Labaran emphasized the importance of adhering to precautionary measures to curb the spread of diphtheria within Kano State.

Diphtheria, a highly contagious airborne disease, has raised concerns in the region, prompting the Commissioner to address the public.

Dr. Labaran stressed the necessity of isolating and referring any person displaying symptoms of catarrh or suspected of contracting the disease to a healthcare facility, further noting that coughing, sneezing, and handshakes are the primary means of transmission.

In response to the outbreak, the Commissioner advised parents to take proactive measures, such as preventing infected children from attending school and promptly seeking medical attention, including relevant diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of diphtheria. This approach will significantly aid in limiting the disease’s spread among other children.

Dr. Labaran also issued a warning against needless gatherings, especially with the approaching harmattan season, during which diphtheria tends to peak. He recommended that if gatherings are unavoidable, they should be held in well-ventilated open spaces and encouraged strict adherence to facemask usage, as it assists in filtering potentially harmful airborne viruses.

The Commissioner stressed the paramount importance of vaccination as the primary defense against diphtheria. He urged parents to ensure that children between the ages of 4 to 14 receive a full three-dose vaccination regimen, administered at four-week intervals, to ensure comprehensive protection.

Furthermore, Dr. Labaran highlighted the necessity of vaccinating all family members if one child is confirmed to have diphtheria, irrespective of age or gender, and extended this recommendation to include neighbors. A collective effort is crucial to preventing the spread of the disease in Kano State.

The public is urged to heed these warnings and take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their communities against the threat of diphtheria.