Diphtheria: KNCDC’s Investigation Identifies Key Gaps In Outbreak Media Reports
“The initial report of 50 deaths was not substantiated during the field investigation.Therefore, the 50 deaths should continue to be regarded as an unverified media/social media signal, while the four deaths identified during field verification should be documented according to their respective epidemiological classifications.”
By Abdullahi Yusuf
An investigation conducted by the Kano State Centre for Disease has identified “key gaps” in the recent media reports of the outbreak of diphtheria disease in Rano Local Government Area of the state.
Some traditional media organizations and social media platforms had reported that the diphtheria epidemic had claimed 50 lives in the Rano Local Government, quoting the member representing the area in the Kano State House of Assembly.
The key gaps in the media reports as found by the KNCDC’s detailed report of the investigation, include:incomplete information regarding some reported deaths,lack of immunization history among several children,and possible delays in seeking appropriate medical care.
Others are: use of traditional treatment for children with a reported pseudomembrane,need for stronger community-healthcare providers- traditional Institution relationship,need for continued active case search and possible immunity gaps within affected communities.
The Report which was signed by the Director-General of the KNCDC, Prof.Muhammad Adamu Abbas, said:”On 25 August 2026, the Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
(KNCDC) became aware of a public health signal through reports circulating in media houses and social media platforms, alleging that approximately 50 deaths had occurred from diphtheria in Rurum Ward, Rano Local Government Area (LGA).”
“Given the reported magnitude and potential public health implications, the
information required immediate verification through field investigation. The investigation aimed to determine the authenticity and magnitude of the
reported event, identify suspected cases and deaths, assess possible ongoing
transmission and recommend appropriate response measures.
“On 28 August 2026, the Director-General (DG), KNCDC, directed the State Rapid
Response Team (RRT) to proceed to Rano LGA to investigate and verify the
information. The State RRT was joined by the Rano LGA RRT during the field
investigation,” the document said.
It further stated that a media team comprising representatives of various media organizations accompanied the response mission to support documentation, public health risk
communication and dissemination of accurate health information.
According to the Report,the investigation covered Tsohon Gari, Sokkotawa Community, Sabon Gari A and
Sabuwar Kaura, and included stakeholder advocacy, verbal autopsy, community
active case search, health facility register review, DTC assessment and community
sensitization.
It said a total of four deaths were identified in Rurum Ward during the field
investigation out of which two were considered diphtheria-related, while two
were reportedly due to suspected severe malaria/typhoid fever.
“The investigation also identified several diphtheria-compatible cases, including
seven cases in Tsohon Gari, one active case in Sabon Gari A, 11 cases recorded at MPHC Sokkotawa and six cases identified through the OPD register at Rano Emirate Hospital.
“The identification of an active case and a death in the same household in Sabon
Gari A is of particular epidemiological importance and requires immediate contact tracing and follow-up.
“The initial report of 50 deaths was not substantiated during the field investigation.Therefore, the 50 deaths should continue to be regarded as an unverified media/social media signal, while the four deaths identified during field verification should be documented according to their respective epidemiological classifications,” it said.
The investigation, therefore,highlighted the need for continued active surveillance, laboratory confirmation, case management, contact tracing, verification of deaths, strengthening of routine immunization, community engagement and fortification
of DTC functionality in Rano LGA “and indeed all the 44 LGAs in Kano, as Directed by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.”
The investigation also recommended among others, Immediate Response to
Intensify active case search in Rurum Ward,conduct of contact tracing and follow-up of suspected/confirmed cases,ensure appropriate specimen collection from eligible suspected cases,verify and update the line list of all suspected and confirmed cases,continue verification of reported deaths through verbal autopsy and available records, and immediately rejig the Rano Emirate Hospital and other DTC as directed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
It also recommended intensification of radio messages and engaging more radio stations and continuation of collaboration with media houses to disseminate accurate and evidence-based public health information.