Tragedy Strikes Kano Family as Diphtheria Claims Four Children

The Hotoron Yan Dodo community in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State has been thrown into mourning after diphtheria claimed the lives of four children from the same family within just two weeks.

The grieving father, Malam Yusuf Maitama, shared his heartbreaking story, recalling how one after the other, his daughters fell sick with fever, sore throat, nasal discharge, and a white coating in the throat — classic signs of diphtheria.

His youngest daughter was the first to fall ill.

“She woke up with fever, sore throat, and catarrh. We noticed a white substance in her throat. We rushed her to the hospital, but she died the same day,” he recounted in tears.

Days later, his seven-year-old daughter developed the same symptoms and passed away within two days, despite being taken to the hospital.

“At first, people even suggested it was spiritual, but doctors confirmed it was diphtheria. That’s when I realized the rest of my kids were at serious risk,” Malam Yusuf said.

Sadly, two more daughters also died, while only the eldest survived after receiving urgent medical care.

The deaths have shaken the entire community, leaving parents anxious about their children’s safety. Health officials have since visited the family’s home, fumigated the area, and carried out vaccinations in the neighborhood to prevent further spread.

Speaking on the outbreak, Kano State Ministry of Health spokesperson, Nablusi Abubakar Kofar Naisa, stressed that most of the children dying from diphtheria were unvaccinated.

“If you hear of a death, it’s likely the child was not vaccinated. That’s the main issue we’re dealing with. Vaccination is free, and we are urging parents to take advantage of it,” he said.

The state government has designated a special hospital for diphtheria patients, while other hospitals are also offering free treatment and vaccination.

Diphtheria remains one of the deadliest vaccine-preventable diseases in Kano. In 2023, the state recorded over 10,000 infections and nearly 1,000 deaths. Experts warn that cultural beliefs, late hospital visits, and poor vaccination coverage remain the biggest obstacles in fighting the disease.

A recent study by the National Library of Medicine (July 2025) revealed that unvaccinated children face more than double the risk of dying from diphtheria compared to those fully vaccinated.

As Kano mourns yet another diphtheria tragedy, health officials are once again calling on parents: get your children vaccinated and seek immediate medical help at the first signs of fever, cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.