KANO RELEASES SAFETY GUIDELINES AMID SURGE IN RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS, CLARIFIES COVID-19 STATUS

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control has issued a public health advisory following a noticeable rise in upper respiratory tract infections across Kano State.

The agency clarified that no cases of any COVID-19 variant have been recorded in the state.

In a statement released on Thursday and signed by the Director-General, Prof. Muhammad Abbas, the centre noted that symptoms including sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion have been widely reported, raising public concern.

Abbas reassured residents that although there has been an increase in respiratory infections, there are currently no confirmed COVID-19 variant cases in Kano, urging the public to remain calm and avoid panic.

The agency emphasized that not all respiratory illnesses are linked to COVID-19, explaining that most upper respiratory tract infections typically resolve within seven to 10 days without serious complications.

It assured residents that isolation and treatment centres remain on standby, stressing that there is no cause for alarm. The agency encouraged early reporting of symptoms and adherence to basic preventive measures to safeguard individuals and the wider community.

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According to the statement, common symptoms of respiratory infections include sore throat, runny nose, mild fever, and cough, while more severe cases may present with difficulty breathing.

Residents have been advised to seek prompt medical attention if symptoms worsen, particularly in cases involving high fever lasting more than three days, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

The agency noted that children under five, adults over 60, pregnant women, and individuals living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and HIV face a higher risk of developing complications.

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) urged residents to adhere to preventive measures, including regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes with the elbow or tissue, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and wearing face masks in crowded settings such as markets, mosques, and public transportation, particularly when experiencing symptoms.

It also recommended proper ventilation of indoor spaces and encouraged residents to keep their routine vaccinations, including diphtheria toxoid, up to date.

The agency further advised anyone experiencing symptoms to visit the nearest health facility for testing and treatment, assuring the public that the state has sufficient testing capacity.

The KNCDC reaffirmed its readiness and continued commitment to protecting public health across the state.