No fewer than four children have reportedly died due to the diphtheria outbreak in the Minjibir Local Government Area of Kano State.

The local government’s spokesperson, Tasiu Yahaya, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday in Kano.

Mr Yahaya said another 28 children were also infected with the disease.

“Four children have been confirmed dead while 28 others infected with diphtheria in Minjibir Local Government of Kano State.

“The 28 children contracted the disease in the towns of Kwarkiya, Kuru, Kunya and Minjibir,” said Mr Yahaya.

He quoted the interim management officer of the local government, Muhammad Yakubu Kunya, as urging the government and stakeholders to protect the community’s health.

“On his part, the district head of the local government urged traditional rulers and the Scholars to stand up to enlighten the community and to pray for relief from the disease,” Mr Yahaya added.

When contacted, the state health ministry’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Ibrahim, said the case had been referred to the director of public health for further investigation and confirmation.

(NAN)