Kano Investigates Reported Deaths of Over 50 Children Amid Suspected Diphtheria Outbreak

Kano Investigates Reported Deaths of Over 50 Children Amid Diphtheria Fears

Hope Ajayi August 26, 2026 2 minutes read

KANO, Nigeria – The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has commenced an investigation into reports that more than 50 children died in Rano Local Government Area from suspected diphtheria infections, as health authorities intensify efforts to determine the actual cause of the fatalities.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kano on Wednesday, the Director-General of KNCDC, Prof. Muhammad Abbas said the investigation followed concerns raised by the Kano State House of Assembly over the reported deaths.

According to Abbas, Kano has officially recorded 32 diphtheria cases so far in 2026, comprising 25 cases in August, six in July and one in May.

He disclosed that seven of the confirmed patients were admitted to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Kano, the state’s designated treatment centre for diphtheria.

The KNCDC boss explained that following the notification of four suspected cases on August 13, an active case search conducted on August 19 uncovered 10 additional cases and two deaths.

Abbas said the difference between the officially documented cases and reports of more than 50 child deaths may be linked to delayed reporting and poor healthcare-seeking behaviour.

According to him, many affected children were reportedly treated at home or by traditional healers instead of being taken to recognised health facilities.

The KNCDC Director-General urged parents to seek immediate medical attention for children showing symptoms consistent with diphtheria, warning that delayed treatment significantly increases the risk of severe complications and death.

He also revealed that Kano has recorded more than 38,000 suspected diphtheria cases since the outbreak began in 2022, with over 31,000 cases confirmed.

According to Abbas, more than 55 per cent of confirmed infections occurred among children who had never received routine vaccination, while about 16 per cent involved partially immunised children.