Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
A suspected outbreak of diphtheria has claimed the lives of four children in Zaria, Kaduna State, while five others are currently battling symptoms consistent with the deadly infection.
One of the victims, the daughter of Mallam Bashir Magaji Basharata, a resident of Kwarbai in Zaria City, died after developing severe complications. According to Basharata, the girl experienced intense neck swelling, difficulty breathing, and eventual loss of speech. She was rushed to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) in Shika but died shortly after arrival.
Speaking with The Journal, Basharata expressed concern over the rapid spread of the disease. “Three of my other children have started showing symptoms. It’s moving too fast, and other families are also affected,” he said.
He also revealed that at least four more children from the community are currently receiving treatment at the Kakaki Primary Health Care Clinic, which serves nearby areas.
In response to inquiries, Dr. Bello Jamoh, Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, confirmed that the state has been battling recurring diphtheria outbreaks for nearly a year.
“I was not informed about this particular case,” Dr. Jamoh said in a telephone interview on Monday night, “but I will liaise with the State Ministry of Health to ensure a swift intervention. Our rapid response team will be mobilised to assess the situation immediately.”
Kaduna is among the states affected by Nigeria’s wider diphtheria resurgence, which has seen dozens of confirmed cases and fatalities across the North-West in recent months. Health officials continue to urge parents to ensure their children receive routine immunisation, which includes protection against diphtheria.
As of press time, health workers were on the ground in Zaria, taking samples and conducting awareness campaigns to prevent further spread.