The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KSCDC) has confirmed 12 diphtheria cases at First Lady College, Mariri, a boarding school in Kano.

The KSCDC director-general, Muhammad Abbas, made the disclosure to journalists on Friday in Kano.

He said the agency received the report on Wednesday and immediately deployed a team to investigate and contain the spread of the disease.

“We tested 313 suspected cases, out of which, 12 were clinically confirmed. We conducted active case searches in the school and confirmed the cases.

“We administered medication to all suspected contacts and sensitised other students on the disease,” Mr Abbas added.

He, however, expressed concern over the inadequate supply of vaccines, noting that the school required a mass vaccination campaign to protect its over 2,000 students.

“There is a need for massive vaccination in the school, which we presently do not have. We have to ask for more vaccines to administer to the students,” he said.

Meanwhile, the principal of the school, Atine Muhammad, said three students who resumed from their homes showed symptoms suspected to be associated with the disease and were immediately referred for medical examination.

She said the school nurse initially examined the students before they were referred to a hospital for further assessment and confirmation.

According to her, the students were subsequently sent back to their parents with instructions to take them to the Infectious Diseases Hospital for proper medical attention.

The principal said parents were also directed to obtain medical reports from certified doctors confirming that their children were healthy before they could return to the school. 

(NAN)