Victoria Mgbanwa
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr Jide Idris, has disclosed that 164 children has been afflicted with a strange disease and that the agency is responding rapidly to the disease which was discovered in six wards in Sokoto State.
He further revealed that the agency had sent the National Rapid Response Team to work with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health with immediate effect.
Dr Jide Idris made this disclosure while speaking at a press conference in Abuja, stating that the case was reported to the agency by the state ministry of health on March 21, 2024.
He said, “The NCDC deployed a National Rapid Response Team to work with the State Ministry of Health to further investigate and respond to this incident. So far, a total of 164 suspected cases have been identified in six wards of Isa LGA Bargaja (22), Isa North (17), Isa South (98), Tozai (12), Tsabre (four), and Turba (11). Unfortunately, four deaths have been recorded amongst the suspected cases.
“A similar incident was previously documented in 2023, also without a definitive diagnosis.
“Currently, two suspected cases are currently receiving care in Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto and one case was discharged on account of improved symptoms. Four other suspected cases are also on admission at the Isa General Hospital, while about 130 cases are also receiving care either within the Primary Healthcare Centres, or home care in the affected LGA.
“Results of the initial test for heavy metals for the index and first few suspected cases, revealed different blood levels of lead, and Chromium.
“Observed activities in the affected communities include mining, agricultural practices which involve the use of various types of chemicals and pesticides, the health-seeking behaviour, and practices of the communities which may be detrimental to people’s health.
“In this regard, various samples of materials have also been taken and dispatched for analyses, including blood, abdominal fluids, environmental samples like soil and water, locally grown food produce, including vegetables and grains, substances and ingredients used for food and drinks, pesticides and chemicals used in local guns,” he added.
The symptoms of the disease includes, abdominal distension due to rapid onset of fluids in the abdomen (ascites), fever, vomiting and weight loss.