Zamfara State Reports 44 Diphtheria Deaths, Extends School Resumption

The Zamfara State Ministry of Health has confirmed 44 deaths due to a diphtheria outbreak, with 367 clinically suspected cases reported. Dr. Yusuf Haske, the State Director of Public Health, stated that over 320 patients have been treated and discharged.

Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the diphtheria-causing organism, with samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja for diagnosis. Following these confirmations, Governor Dauda Lawal directed the declaration of the outbreak and the activation of the Incident Management System to coordinate the response.

This includes rapid response teams and case management across the state’s 14 local government areas. Isolation centres have been established in general hospitals, particularly in Gusau Local Government Area, which has the highest number of cases.

The Ministry of Health advised the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology to extend school resumption by two weeks to enhance health measures. Dr. Haske urged residents to remain vigilant and seek medical attention for diphtheria symptoms.