By George Omagbemi
Zamfara State has recorded 44 deaths from a diphtheria outbreak, with health authorities reporting 367 clinically suspected cases across parts of the state.
The State Director of Public Health, Dr Yusuf Haske, disclosed the figures on Monday, September 14, 2026, saying more than 320 patients had so far been treated and discharged.
According to the Ministry of Health, laboratory tests conducted on samples from suspected patients confirmed the presence of the diphtheria-causing organism. Authorities subsequently activated an Incident Management System and deployed rapid response teams across the state’s 14 local government areas.
Gusau Local Government Area has recorded the highest number of cases, with health authorities establishing several treatment and isolation centres to manage patients and contain further transmission.
The outbreak has also affected children, particularly those between six and 10 years old, prompting health officials to advise the Ministry of Education to take additional preventive measures.
As a result, the Zamfara Ministry of Education has extended the resumption of all public and private schools by two weeks. The new tentative resumption date is Monday, September 28, 2026, subject to further health advice.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with health officials and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms associated with diphtheria appear.
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