Residents of the Tukur-Tukur community in Zaria, Kaduna State, have raised the alarm over a worrying resurgence of diphtheria cases, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
According to local health officials, at least 15 suspected cases have been reported in the past two weeks, with five children currently hospitalized at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH). Community members say symptoms, including sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing, have spread rapidly among school-aged children.
“We are scared because some children have died in nearby areas last year from this same illness,” said Musa Ibrahim, a community leader. “We need vaccines and medical support immediately.”
The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has dispatched a rapid response team to the area to investigate and contain the outbreak. State health commissioner Dr. Aisha Lawal confirmed the cases and urged parents to ensure their children are fully immunized.
Diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection, has seen sporadic outbreaks in northern Nigeria in recent years, often linked to low vaccination coverage.
Health experts are advising residents to practice good hygiene, report symptoms early, and avoid crowded gatherings as authorities work to deploy vaccines and treatment. (READ ALSO: Trending posts about VDM)
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