Hussaini Ibrahim 
KANO, Nigeria – The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has issued a public advisory as cases of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) rise across the state, urging calm while ruling out any confirmed circulation of new COVID-19 variants.
The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) says symptoms including sore throat, cough, mild fever and nasal congestion have been widely reported, prompting public concern and comparisons with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement signed by its Director General on Thursday, Prof Muhammad A. Abbas, the agency confirms to Africa Health Report that surveillance data show no confirmed COVID-19 variant cases in Kano.
“Not all respiratory illnesses are COVID-19. Most upper respiratory tract infections resolve within seven to 10 days without complications,” the statement says.
KNCDC says its disease surveillance and laboratory systems remain fully operational, with isolation and treatment centres on standby should severe cases emerge.
“There is no need for panic. Early reporting and simple precautions can keep you and your community safe,” the agency adds.
Health officials advise residents to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, particularly when high fever lasts more than three days or is accompanied by chest pain or breathing difficulty.
The agency identifies children under five, adults above 60, pregnant women and people living with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and HIV as high-risk groups.
KNCDC urges preventive measures including frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing face masks in crowded places and ensuring good ventilation indoors. Residents are also advised to keep routine vaccinations, including diphtheria toxoid, up to date.
Symptomatic residents are encouraged not to self-medicate at home but to visit the nearest health facility, as Kano maintains adequate testing and treatment capacity.
About the Author
Chukwu Obinna 
Koko Maxwella 
Mirian Gom