By: Mukhtar Yahaya Shehu
The Kano State Government, through the Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC), carried out case management activities, community sensitization, and sample collection in Gamji Village, Garko Local Government Area, following reports circulating in the media alleging that several residents had died as a result of suspected diphtheria and Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM).
The case management exercise was conducted to verify the claims and assess the health situation in the community. Under the leadership of the Director-General of KNCDC, Professor Muhammad Adamu Abbas, the agency deployed a team of medical and public health experts to Gamji Village for an on-the-spot investigation and case management intervention.
During the exercise, which took place on Saturday, the KNCDC team carried out a comprehensive epidemiological assessment of the community.
The team was divided into four groups, with each group assigned to conduct house-to-house visits across the village as part of case identification, assessment, and management, to ensure that every household was covered.
Individuals who developed symptoms of illness were identified, clinically assessed, and samples were collected from them for laboratory testing to determine and confirm the cause of the illness.
In addition to sample collection, the KNCDC team provided free medications to affected residents as part of immediate case management and response measures, while also offering basic medical guidance to households with suspected cases.
The intervention was aimed at reducing health risks, improving patient outcomes, and preventing the possible spread of communicable diseases within the community.
The team also gathered residents of the village and sensitized them on the importance of seeking medical care at health facilities whenever they experience symptoms of illness.
Community members were urged to promptly report to hospitals or local health officers whenever they suspect any disease outbreak, to ensure timely medical intervention and proper case management.
Furthermore, KNCDC officials extended the sensitization exercise to mosques within the community, where they educated residents on disease prevention, early reporting of suspected cases, and the need for cooperation with health authorities during public health emergencies.
The Kano State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting the health of citizens across the state and assured the public that KNCDC would continue to closely monitor the situation, pending the outcome of laboratory tests, which will guide further actions if necessary.
