Mysterious illnesses surfaced in Kaduna, Sokoto and Zamfara states, prompting the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to launch a continuous investigation.
The NCDC, via its official website, confirmed its active involvement in analysing samples from affected individuals to determine the cause of the unusual health issue.
The public health agency disclosed that 196 cases have so far been reported in Isa, Sabon Birni, and Ilella local government areas of Sokoto State, resulting in seven deaths.
It added that “samples have been sent to sister laboratories for further analysis.
“Reports of similar cases in Zamfara also prompted the dispatch of a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to assess and provide support.
“Residents, especially in Kaduna State, are urged to promptly report symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and weight loss.”
The NCDC stated that suspected heavy metal poisoning linked to mining activities also raised concerns about environmental contamination.
“Exposure to heavy metals poses severe health risks, necessitating preventative measures such as avoiding direct exposure to dust and soil and enforcing safety standards in mining operations,” it said.
The centre, therefore, reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with affected states to provide timely updates to the public.
In a separate report, the Sokoto State government confirmed 35 cases of Ascites disease in the Isa Local Government Area, expressing disappointment at the lack of communication from health stakeholders in the area.
Ascites, characterised by fluid accumulation in the abdomen, are not infectious but can result from underlying medical conditions such as liver cirrhosis or heart failure.
Treatment options include diuretics, paracentesis, shunts, or surgical interventions like liver transplants for severe cases.
The NCDC in a statement on Friday said that it held a meeting on Tuesday at NCDC’s Headquarters in Abuja over the issue.
The statement said that the Director General of the NCDC and the commissioners of the affected states discussed the current situation, provided updates on response efforts, and agreed on further measures to contain and mitigate the impact of the illness suspected to be heavy metal poisoning possibly linked to mining activities.
NAN
