The Kano State Government has ruled out the closure of schools or postponement of academic activities despite the ongoing diphtheria outbreak in the state.

The government said schools would resume as scheduled, maintaining that the current situation does not warrant keeping children away from classrooms.

The spokesperson for the Kano State Ministry of Health, Nabilus Kofar-Naisa, disclosed this while addressing concerns over the spread of the disease and its potential impact on school resumption.

According to him, Kano’s decision differs from measures taken by some neighbouring states, including Plateau State, which recently postponed school resumption over fears surrounding the outbreak.

Kofar-Naisa urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children for possible symptoms of diphtheria.

He stressed that children suspected to have contracted the disease should be immediately taken to recognised health facilities for proper medical attention.

“Children showing symptoms should not be allowed to mix with others until they have received appropriate medical attention,” he said.

The ministry’s spokesperson explained that the decision to allow schools to reopen was based on the present situation and the rate of diphtheria infections recorded across Kano State.

He appealed to parents to promptly seek medical care for children showing symptoms and ensure they remain isolated from other children until they have been medically cleared.

The Kano State Government reiterated its commitment to monitoring the outbreak and taking necessary measures to protect residents, particularly schoolchildren, from further spread of the disease.