Sokoto alerts schools over diphtheria outbreak

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu.

The Sokoto State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has alerted schools across the state over reported cases of diphtheria in some neighbouring states.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmad Ladan Ala, directed principals and school authorities to remain vigilant and closely monitor the health conditions of students and staff.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Muhammad Iya, said principals had been instructed to promptly report suspected cases or unusual symptoms to the nearest health facility and the ministry.

“Principals are to closely monitor the health conditions of students and staff and promptly report any suspected case or unusual symptoms to the nearest health facility and the ministry for immediate attention,” the statement said.

The ministry described diphtheria as a serious infectious disease, noting that symptoms could include sore throat, hoarseness, mild fever and chills, swollen glands in the neck, weakness, fatigue, runny nose or cough, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and a thick greyish membrane in the throat.

According to the ministry, symptoms may appear between two and five days after exposure.

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As such, it urged school authorities to seek immediate medical attention for anyone showing suspected symptoms at designated health facilities, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital Specialist Hospital and Amanawa General Hospital, all in Sokoto.

The ministry also directed schools to strengthen hygiene practices, promote regular hand washing and maintain clean environments.

It further urged parents and guardians to ensure that their children were up to date with recommended vaccinations.

The statement appealed to parents, teachers and students to remain calm but vigilant and cooperate with health authorities.

“The health and safety of students and staff remain a top priority of the Sokoto State Government,” the ministry said.