Sokoto State Government has directed schools across the state to intensify preventive measures following reports of diphtheria cases in some neighbouring states.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Prof. Ahmad Ladan Ala, who urged principals and school authorities to closely monitor the health of students and staff and report suspected cases promptly.
The ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Muhammad Iya, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Sokoto.
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According to him, principals were directed to report “any suspected case or unusual symptoms to the nearest health facility and the ministry for immediate attention.”
The ministry identified symptoms of diphtheria to include sore throat, hoarseness, mild fever and chills, swollen glands in the neck, weakness, fatigue, runny nose or cough, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and the development of a thick greyish membrane in the throat.
It said symptoms could emerge between two and five days after exposure to the infection.
The ministry advised school authorities to immediately refer anyone exhibiting suspected symptoms to appropriate health facilities, including Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Infectious Diseases Hospital Specialist Hospital and Amanawa General Hospital in Sokoto.
It also called on schools to strengthen hygiene practices by encouraging regular handwashing and maintaining clean learning environments.
Parents and guardians were similarly advised to ensure that their children received recommended vaccinations.
The commissioner urged schools, parents, teachers, and students to remain calm while maintaining heightened vigilance and cooperating with health authorities.
“The health and safety of students and staff remain a top priority of the Sokoto State Government,” the statement added.
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