Zamfara diphtheria cases rise to 367

Zamfara diphtheria cases have risen to 367, with more than 320 patients successfully treated and discharged as health authorities work to contain the outbreak. The update was disclosed by the Director of Public Health in the Zamfara State Ministry of Health, Dr Yusuf Haske, who said laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the diphtheria-causing organism in samples collected from suspected patients. Health officials sent additional samples to the National Reference Centre in Abuja for further testing. The tests confirmed the diagnosis. Following the confirmation, the state government activated its Incident Management System and deployed rapid response teams across its 14 local government areas.

Zamfara Diphtheria Cases and Response

The rising number of Zamfara diphtheria cases has prompted health authorities to strengthen surveillance, treatment and community awareness across the state. Health officials have treated and discharged more than 320 patients. They also gave recovering patients oral medication to continue their treatment at home.

Health authorities have also established isolation centres in general hospitals across the state. Gusau Local Government Area, which has recorded the highest number of cases, has about four treatment centres. However, the outbreak has also resulted in 44 deaths, with health officials attributing the continued spread partly to active community transmission. Children between the ages of six and 10 are among those most affected. The state government is therefore continuing surveillance and case management. It is also carrying out community sensitisation and other preventive measures to slow the spread of the disease.

Schools to Resume September 28

The diphtheria outbreak has also affected the state’s education sector. Zamfara has delayed the resumption of public and private schools by two weeks. Education authorities plan to resume public and private schools on September 28, 2026. The date remains subject to confirmation with the approved academic calendar. The extension will give health and education authorities more time to strengthen disease surveillance and contact tracing. They will also have more time to verify vaccinations and increase public awareness. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with health officials. They also advised residents to seek medical attention promptly when symptoms of diphtheria appear.