The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), announced a total of 164 unknown illnesses with a record of 4 deaths have been reported in the Isa Local government of Sokoto state.
The agency also alerted the Sokoto State Ministry of Health on the cases surrounding the mysterious disease.
A national rapid response team, NRRT, has been deployed by the NCDC to collaborate with the state Ministry of Health in investigating the matter.
According to Jide Idris, the Director-General of the NCDC, the mysterious illness was reported on March 21, 2024, to the agency which moved into swift action to launch an investigation into the case.
While speaking with journalists in a press briefing at Abuja on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Idris said the illness is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal distension, fever, vomiting, and weight loss, primarily affecting children aged four to 13, as well as some adults.
“Most of these cases are children aged 4 – 13 years, including some adults. The patients came from different wards and settlements across the LGA.” He said.
He further informed that the affected wards include; Bargaja (22), Isa North (17), Isa South (98), Tozai (12), Tsabre (4), and Turba (11).
“So far, 164 suspected cases have been identified across six wards in Isa Local Government, resulting in four tragic fatalities.
“Notably, this is not the first occurrence as a similar incident was documented in 2023. That one went without a conclusive diagnosis,” Idris stated.
Idris also noted that while clinical assessments and thorough investigations are ongoing; “Results indicate varying levels of lead and chromium in blood samples, prompting scrutiny of local activities such as mining and agricultural practices involving chemical usage.
“The collaborative efforts extend beyond health institutions, encompassing government agencies, research bodies, and community stakeholders.
“At the moment, security challenges hamper access to affected areas, complicating response efforts,” he added.
The Director-General also announced that 2 suspected cases are currently undergoing treatment in the Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto.
He also added that one was discharged on improved symptoms while four other suspected cases are also on admission at the Isa General Hospital and about 130 cases still receiving care in the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) in the affected LGA.
Idris further urged the miners of the public to be vigilant, and that affected areas should also be watchful of any unusual symptoms. He also appealed that an immediate report to the Healthcare Centre or designated authorities in case of identified symptoms of the unknown illness should be made so that treatment can commence.
