NCDC Reports Eight Fatalities in Sokoto Due to Enigmatic Outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 8 deaths and over 208 suspected new cases following an outbreak of an unknown illness in Sokoto state.

Dr. Ibrahim Usman, the manager of the center, disclosed this during an interactive session with officials of the state Ministry of Health. The outbreak occurred in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas of the state.

Prompt measures were taken by the NCDC and the state government to control the spread of the illness. Samples were taken to NCDC laboratories for analysis. Symptoms of the illness include abdominal disorder, feverishness, vomiting, and sudden weight loss.

The state Deputy Governor, Engineer Idris Mohammed Gobir, informed the visiting Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, that the strange disease had claimed many lives in Isa local government area. He urged the federal government to identify and contain the spread of the disease.

The state government dispatched a team of experts with medications to provide first aid to affected victims. The NCDC deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to investigate the matter further. Affected children were taken to Specialist Hospital Sokoto for treatment, and residents were sensitized about the dangers of the illness.

Dr. Usman revealed that interim results showed varying levels of lead and chromium in blood samples, prompting scrutiny of local activities such as mining and possible mingling with agrochemicals. Collaborative efforts involved government agencies, research bodies, and community stakeholders.

Medical personnel were commended for their efforts in containing the spread and treating affected victims. The executive secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Hajiya Larai Tambuwal, attributed the complications to agricultural practices, climatic conditions, security challenges, sources of drinking water, open defecation, malnutrition, and other surrounding issues. She emphasized the need for more clinical assessments to determine the origin of the mysterious disease.