A family in Danbare New Layout, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of five children within seven days from an illness suspected by the family to be diphtheria.

The children, comprising three girls and two boys, reportedly died between October 1 and October 7, 2026, leaving their father, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, and other family members devastated.

According to information obtained from the family, the tragedy began on October 1, when two of the children—a boy and a girl—died after battling an illness suspected to be diphtheria.

The situation reportedly worsened on October 7, when three more children—two girls and a boy—passed away.

The deaths have raised concerns about possible transmission within the household and across the wider Danbare community.

When contacted regarding the reported deaths, the Director-General of the Kano State Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (KNCDC), Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas, promised to investigate the matter and establish the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.

Professor Abbas urged residents to promptly report suspected infectious diseases to the nearest health facility and seek medical attention, rather than attempting to manage suspected cases at home.

He stressed the importance of early reporting, detection, and treatment in preventing deaths and containing the spread of diseases such as diphtheria.

The father of the deceased children, Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, appealed to the relevant health authorities to urgently intervene, investigate the deaths, and establish the exact cause of the illness.

He also called for measures to protect surviving family members and other residents of the community from potential transmission.

However, the reported link between the deaths and diphtheria had not been independently confirmed by health authorities as of the time of filing this report.

The development comes weeks after the Kano State Government commenced a diphtheria immunisation campaign in September across five local government areas: Kumbotso, Dala, Fagge, Gwale, and Ungoggo.

The campaign was aimed at curbing transmission of the disease and enhancing protection among vulnerable populations.

The KNCDC has also continued community mobilisation efforts, urging traditional institutions and residents to support vaccination programmes and report suspected cases without delay.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact. It can cause severe throat infections, breathing difficulties, and other potentially fatal complications, particularly when treatment is delayed.

Health authorities have consistently emphasised vaccination, early detection, and prompt treatment as critical measures for reducing fatalities and preventing further spread.

The Danbare family is now seeking urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life within the household and surrounding communities.

The situation remains under investigation by the KNCDC, with further details expected once health authorities confirm the cause of death. (Nigerian Tribune, excluding headline)

Update news