The Kano State Centre for Disease Control has issued a public health advisory following a spike in upper respiratory tract infections across the state.
The agency, however, clarified that there are no confirmed cases of any COVID-19 variant in Kano State.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by its Director-General, Prof. Muhammad Abbas, the centre said symptoms including sore throat, cough, fever, and nasal congestion have been widely reported in recent days, raising concerns among residents.
Abbas urged residents to remain calm, stressing that the increase in respiratory infections does not indicate the presence of COVID-19 in the state.
“While we have observed a rise in upper respiratory tract infections across the state, there are currently no confirmed cases of any COVID-19 variant in Kano. Residents should remain calm and avoid unnecessary panic,” he said.
The agency explained that not all respiratory illnesses are COVID-19, noting that most upper respiratory tract infections resolve within seven to 10 days without complications.
It added that isolation and treatment centres in the state remain on standby, assuring residents of the government’s readiness to respond to any emerging health threat.
The centre listed common symptoms of respiratory infections to include sore throat, runny nose, mild fever, and cough, warning that severe cases may involve difficulty breathing.
Residents were advised to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen, especially in cases of persistent high fever lasting more than three days, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
The agency identified children under five, elderly persons above 60 years, pregnant women, and individuals living with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, and HIV as being at higher risk of complications.
It urged residents to adopt preventive measures, including regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, avoiding close contact with sick persons, and wearing face masks in crowded places such as markets, mosques, and public transportation, particularly when symptomatic.
The centre also advised proper ventilation of indoor spaces and encouraged residents to ensure their routine vaccinations, including diphtheria toxoid, are up to date.
It further assured that the state has adequate testing capacity and urged anyone experiencing symptoms to visit the nearest health facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health and maintaining surveillance across the state.
