A mysterious disease has struck the heart of Sokoto State, Nigeria, with 164 suspected cases identified so far.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is currently investigating the possible causes, including potential heavy metal poisoning.
The NCDC, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has initiated a series of measures to uncover the causes of this unknown disease, which has already claimed four lives.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of NCDC, shared with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, that the Centre was notified by the Sokoto State Ministry of Health on March 21, 2024, of reported cases of children presenting with symptoms which included abdominal distension due to rapid onset of fluids in the abdomen (ascites), fever, vomiting and weight loss from Isa Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
Dr. Idris revealed, “Most of the cases were children aged four to 13 years, including some adults. The patients came from different wards and settlements across the LGA.” He further added that 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.
Unfortunately, four deaths have been recorded amongst the suspected cases. Currently, two suspected cases are receiving care in Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto, and one case has been discharged due to improved symptoms. Four other suspected cases are also on admission at the Isa General Hospital, while about 130 cases are receiving care either within the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) or home care in the affected LGA.
The initial clinical assessment and investigations of the cases admitted at the Teaching Hospital ruled out an infectious origin of this event, necessitating the need to search for other causes, including heavy metal testing. The results of the initial test for heavy metals for the index and first few suspected cases revealed different blood levels of lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr).
Activities observed in the affected communities included mining, agricultural practices which involve the use of various types of chemicals and pesticides, and health-seeking behavior and practices of the communities which may be detrimental to people’s health.
Dr. Idris recalled that a similar incident was previously documented in 2023, also without a definitive diagnosis. He expressed sympathy for the families of the deceased who have lost their loved ones to this incident.
“NCDC acknowledges the leadership of the Sokoto State Government, the State Ministry of Health, the support of the UDUTH as well as all the healthcare workers and other stakeholders who are working hard to manage the incident,” he said.
The NCDC urges all the members of the affected and nearby communities to be vigilant and report anyone presenting with the above-stated symptoms to the nearest health facilities to them or call NCDC toll-free line (6232). Healthcare workers are also urged to report any suspected cases to LGA/State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer or State Epidemiologist.
Meanwhile, regarding the incident in Kogi where a viral video showed that a student died from a disease suspected to be Lassa fever, the DG said that from preliminary investigation, the cause of death was not traced to Lassa fever.
Further investigation is ongoing by health officials in Kogi state.
