By Editor
Fear has gripped residents of some communities in Sokoto State, particularly Isa Local Government Area of the state as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the outbreak of a strange ailment.
The NCDC said that so far, 164 suspected cases have been identified in six councils and four deaths recorded.
NCDC Director General, Jide Idris, at a press conference, in Abuja, said the centre was yet to get clearer information as regards the disease (definitive diagnosis), hence already collected samples were still being monitored at the laboratory.
He confirmed that Sokoto State Ministry of Health had reported the cases last month, explaining the cases were mostly found in children from aged four to 13 years, including some adults, who presented symptoms which included abdominal distension due to rapid onset of fluids in the abdomen (ascites), fever, vomiting and weight loss.
He said: “Two suspected cases are currently receiving care in Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto, and one case has been discharged on account of improved symptoms.
” Four other suspected cases are also on admission at the Isa General Hospital, while about 130 cases are also receiving care either within the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) or home care in the affected council.
“However, initial clinical assessment and investigations of the cases admitted at the teaching hospital ruled out an infectious origin of this event, thus necessitating the need to search for other causes, including heavy metal testing. Sadly, results of the initial test for heavy metals for the index and first few suspected cases, revealed different blood levels of lead and Chromium.”
He said observed human activities in the affected communities include mining, agricultural practices which involved the use of various types of chemicals and pesticides, stressing that health-seeking behaviour and practices of the communities could be detrimental to people’s health.
“In this regard, various samples of materials have also been taken and dispatched for analysis, including blood, abdominal fluids, environmental samples like soil and water, locally grown food produce, including vegetables and grains, substances and ingredients used for food and drinks, pesticides and chemicals used in local guns.”
Idris said NCDC sympathized with the families that lost their loved ones, and equally appreciated the leadership and support of the Sokoto State Government, UDUTH, healthcare workers and other stakeholders who are working hard to manage the incident.
He urged members of the affected and nearby communities to be vigilant and report anyone that presents the stated symptoms to the nearest health facilities or call NCDC toll free line (6232).
Health care workers were also urged to report any suspected case to council/state disease surveillance and notification officer or state epidemiologist for urgent attention.
Recall that in 2023, there was a similar case without a definitive diagnosis, but was later put under control.