The Niger State government has initiated an investigation into a suspected infectious disease following the death of a child and reports of other family members falling ill.

State Director of Public Health, Ibrahim Idris, confirmed the probe after a father shared videos on social media alleging a strange illness affected his household.Health officials emphasized the importance of immunization, noting that the deceased child had only partial vaccination coverage.Preliminary findings suggest the illness might be a known condition, with diphtheria among the possibilities.

Authorities have evacuated affected children to a health facility for evaluation and are conducting contact tracing to prevent potential transmission.Public health officials urged parents to ensure children complete their immunization schedules to avoid vaccine-preventable diseases.

The incident highlights the critical role of routine vaccinations in protecting children and underscores the state’s commitment to public health safety.Further laboratory tests are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the illness and guide the response.Health agencies also visited an isolation center where affected family members received antibiotic treatment.Updates will be provided as investigations progress, with intensified surveillance and interventions if the illness is confirmed to be infectious.