Strange Illness Claims Four Lives, Afflicts 164 Others In Sokoto

A strange illness in Sokoto has resulted in four deaths and affected 164 individuals, sparking concern.

The cause of the illness remains unknown, prompting collaboration between the NCDC and other agencies to address the situation.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reassures the public not to panic regarding a recent outbreak of a mysterious illness in Sokoto State.

VerseNews gathered that with four fatalities among 164 reported cases, the cause remains unknown, but initial investigations suggest the disease is non-infectious and localized to Isa Local Government Area.

NCDC Director General Jide Idris underscores the agency’s proactive response, broadening collaboration with external agencies like NAFDAC and NIPRD to address the situation.

Suspected cases are being treated in various healthcare facilities, with ongoing monitoring and engagement to contain the outbreak.

Idirs said; “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) was notified by the Sokoto State Ministry of Health on March 21, 2024, of reported cases of children presenting with symptoms, which include abdominal distension due to rapid onset of fluids in the abdomen (ascites), fever, vomiting, and weight loss from Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

“Most of these cases are children aged four to 13 years, including some adults. The patients came from different wards and settlements across the local government.

“The NCDC deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to work with the State Ministry of Health to further investigate and respond to this incident.

“So far, a total of 164 suspected cases have been identified in six wards of Isa Local Government Area, Bargaja (22), Isa North (17), Isa South (98), Tozai (12), Tsabre (four), and Turba (11).”