ASHENEWS reports that the Sokoto state government has confirmed 35 cases of ascites disease outbreak in the Isa local government area of the state.
Ascites (ay-SITE-eez) is when too much fluid builds up in your abdomen (belly). This condition often happens in people who have cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver.
A sheet of tissue called the peritoneum covers the abdominal organs, including the stomach, bowels, liver and kidneys.
The peritoneum has two layers. Ascites happen when fluid builds up between the two layers.
The Commissioner for Health, Asabe Balarabe, who confirmed the outbreak, also expressed disappointment at the health stakeholders in the area for failing to notify the Ministry about the emergence of the strange disease.
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“The information received showed approximately 35 suspected cases were recorded in Isa local government, yet no official from the LG Council has reported the cases to the state authorities,” she lamented.
Balarabe directed health directors across the state to ensure early reportage of new suspected cases in their respective areas.
She gave the directive during her visit to investigate the outbreak of the new disease Ascites in the Isa local government area.
According to her, she had visited the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) where some affected children from the area were admitted and are currently receiving treatment.
She added that the ministry had set up an isolation center for those who have contracted the disease, and provided qualified health personnel and medicines to care for them.
The Chief Nursing Officer of the Isa General Hospital, Ummaru Muhammad Ubandawaki, informed the Commissioner that they had received 32 suspected cases of the disease.
Ascites results from high pressure in certain veins of the liver (portal hypertension) and low blood levels of a protein called albumin.
Diseases that can cause severe liver damage can lead to ascites. These include: Chronic hepatitis C or B infection.
