ZAMFARA: Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria is currently gripped by fears as reports emerge of a mysterious illness spreading across several local government areas, killing at least 13 persons, primarily affecting children and women.
The outbreak, which was first identified in Tsibiri village in Maradun Local Government Area (LGA) in February, has since spread to other areas, including Shinkafi and Gusau LGAs, with instances also reported in neighbouring Isa and Zurmi LGAs in Sokoto and Zamfara states, respectively.
According to data collected from hospitals and government records, a total of 505 cases have been reported across the affected areas. The severity of the situation prompted health officials to transfer several patients to the Shehu Shagari Disease Control Centre in Gusau due to severe complications.
In Tsibiri village alone, four fatalities have been confirmed, with 228 reported cases and 10 persons transferred to the disease control center for advanced care. Similarly, in Galadi village in Shinkafi LGA, six fatalities were recorded among over 100 reported cases, with more than 60 patients requiring urgent medical attention.
Health workers on the ground have expressed concerns about the rapid spread of the disease and have called on the governments of Sokoto and Zamfara states to deploy additional medical personnel to contain the outbreak effectively.
Residents, already grappling with the challenges of banditry in the region, fear seeking medical assistance due to the risk of bandit attacks, particularly around health facilities.
Musa Salisu, a resident of Maradun, highlighted the urgency of preemptive measures by authorities to prevent further escalation of the disease, especially considering the vulnerability of healthcare facilities in remote areas.
The Zamfara State Government, through the Commissioner for Health, Dr Aisha Anka, confirmed the occurrence of the unusual disease. Dr Anka described the symptoms, including abdominal distension, fluid accumulation, enlarged liver and spleen, fever, and weakness, which are suspected to result from contaminated water consumption.
The government has promptly engaged the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and initiated emergency response measures to identify the cause and prevent further spread of the outbreak. Samples have been dispatched to laboratories in Lagos and Abuja for detailed analysis, while efforts are underway to provide medical assistance and raise awareness among the affected communities.
