A severe outbreak of diphtheria has tragically claimed the lives of more than 40 people, predominantly children, in Kano State.
The disease has also left several dozen others hospitalized, overwhelming healthcare facilities in the region.
During a visit to the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Kano on Wednesday at around 2:00 PM, Daily Trust observed that all three wards were filled with patients, with many more waiting in line to see a doctor.
Also, the hospital’s capacity is being stretched to its limits as it grapples with the ongoing outbreak.
An anonymous hospital official, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media, disclosed the alarming rate of fatalities caused by the outbreak.
“For the past two weeks, there have been daily fatalities from this disease,” the official reported.
“Every day, doctors are seeing a large number of patients. If you visit in the morning or evening, you will find dozens of victims waiting for treatment. The hospital has been continuously busy since the outbreak began,” he revealed.
The official further explained that the IDH is overwhelmed because many local government hospitals in the area lack the necessary facilities to manage such cases.
As a result, most patients are being referred to IDH, which is the best-equipped facility in the region for treating infectious diseases.
“Our hospital is receiving an influx of patients from various local government areas because their hospitals are not equipped to handle such cases,” the source added.
Among the many families affected by the outbreak is that of Samira Danzaki, whose daughter is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
“I brought my daughter here on Sunday after she developed a severe fever and her neck swelled. We were referred to this hospital, and thankfully, she is responding to treatment,” Danzaki said.
Another patient in the queue, who preferred to remain unnamed, recounted their experience: “I came here because my condition worsened after initially suffering from catarrh, and now I am having difficulty with my throat.”
When contacted, Samira Sulaiman, the Public Relations Officer of the State Hospital Management Board, was unable to confirm or deny the details of the outbreak.
However, she did acknowledge that the hospital management was holding an emergency meeting to address the situation and promised to provide a communique with further details.
As the outbreak continues to spread, healthcare officials in Kano are under increasing pressure to contain the disease and prevent further loss of life.