About 40 others are also receiving treatment.

The outbreak in Kano is attributed to poor routine immunisation and poor health services.

The authorities say they are making efforts to contain the outbreak.

What is whooping cough?

It is also known as pertussis and is caused by a species of bacteria, Bordetella pertussis

It mostly affects infants, who are at highest risk of complications and death

The earliest signs are similar to a common cold, then develop into a cough and can even result in pneumonia

Babies may turn blue while coughing due to a lack of oxygen

The cough tends to come in short bursts followed by desperate gasps for air - the whooping noise

Adults can be infected - but the infection often goes unrecognised.