Disagreement Over Diphtheria Death Toll in Kano

A significant disagreement has emerged between Kano State lawmakers and the state government concerning the diphtheria outbreak in Rano Local Government Area. Ibrahim Muhammad, the member representing Rano constituency in the Kano State House of Assembly, reported that at least 50 children have died from the disease, urging immediate government action as the outbreak spreads to surrounding communities, particularly in Ridin and Sabuwar Kaura.

He emphasized the need for additional support and emergency aid. In contrast, Prof. Muhammad Adamu-Abbas, Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), stated that only two diphtheria deaths have been officially recorded in Rano LGA, based on daily reports from local health officials.

To address the discrepancy, the KNCDC plans to conduct verbal autopsies to investigate the reported deaths and urged residents to report all suspected cases to health facilities for proper tracking and response.