A mysterious disease outbreak has claimed the lives of thirteen individuals in various communities in Zamfara State, with children and women being the most affected, according to reports.
The disease has resulted in a total of 505 recorded cases across Maradun, Shinkafi, and Gusau local government areas in the state.
Cases have also been reported in Isa and Zurmi local government areas of Sokoto and Zamfara states.
The outbreak was first detected in Tsibiri village in Maradun LGA in February of this year. As of Sunday, May 12, 2024, Tsibiri village had reported four deaths and 228 cases, with 10 patients referred to the Shehu Shagari Disease Control Centre in Gusau due to complications.
Most patients with minor complications have received treatment and been discharged from the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Tsibiri.
In Shinkafi LGA, the disease was detected in Galadi village in April, following complaints of severe fever and abdominal disorders.
A medical staff member at the PHC in Shinkafi confirmed six deaths out of over 100 cases recorded, with over 60 patients with serious complications referred to the Shehu Shagari Disease Control Centre.
The disease appears to be spreading, with cases emerging in neighboring areas. Concerns have been raised about its containment, prompting appeals to the governments of Sokoto and Zamfara states to deploy more medical experts to the affected areas.
There are fears that the ongoing prevalence of banditry in the region could deter residents from seeking medical attention, as the Maradun General Hospital is vulnerable due to its proximity to bandits’ enclaves.
The Zamfara State Government has confirmed the outbreak and described the illness as characterized by abdominal distension, fluid accumulation, enlarged liver and spleen, fever, and weakness due to contaminated water consumption.
The government has reported the incident to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and is actively engaged in emergency response measures to identify the cause and contain the outbreak.
Samples have been sent to laboratories in Lagos and Abuja for further analysis.
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