Dr. Aisha M.Z. Anka, the Commissioner for Health in Zamfara state, has confirmed the outbreak of an unknown illness in the state.
This was contained in a statement issued Friday in Gusau by the public relations officer of the Ministry of Health, Bello Ibrahim Boko.
The statement revealed that the ministry had currently detected no fewer than 177 cases and that out of the affected children, four had died.
Dr. Anka stated that the illness “is characterised by abdominal distension, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, fever and generalised body weakness.”
“The incidences of illness outbreak are found in Maradun, Shinkafi, And Gusau local governments in the state. Children are mostly affected and the cases are associated with water consumption,” she said, adding that “already, the ministry has reported the case to the NCDC partners and all relevant stakeholders for prompt intervention.”
“The ministry is currently on the emergency response phase to identify the illnesses, its causes and contain the condition.
“Various biological human and animal samples, soil samples, water samples, agricultural and foodstuff samples are taken to Lagos and Abuja laboratories for analysis.
“The ministry will continue to update the general public and all relevant partners on any new findings for prompt response.”
