Unknown Disease Breaks Out in Nigerian State

There has been an outbreak of a disease in Sokoto State that nobody knows the cause of.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that so far, a total of 164 suspected cases have been identified in six (6) wards of the Isa local government area.

NCDC stated that about four deaths have been recorded among the suspected cases.

It revealed that most of the cases are children aged 4 – 13 years, including some adults. The patients came from different wards and settlements across the LGA.

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The symptoms of the disease included abdominal distension, fever, vomiting, and weight loss.

Currently, two suspected cases are receiving care in a hospital in Sokoto, and one case has been discharged on account of improved symptoms.

However, the NCDC disclosed it is working with the State Ministry of Health to investigate and respond to this incident.

Initial clinical assessment and investigations of the cases admitted at the teaching hospital ruled out an infectious origin of the event.

The Agency is searching for other causes, including heavy metal testing.

Furthermore, the results of the initial test for heavy metals for the index and the first few suspected cases revealed different blood levels of lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr).

It stressed that the results of the latest tests showed high levels of lead in the blood of the affected cases.

The NCDC is urging members of the affected and nearby communities to be vigilant and report anyone presenting with the stated symptoms to the nearest health facilities or call the NCDC toll-free line.