More than 23 people have died as a result of an outbreak of gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu in Sokoto State, Northwest Nigeria.
According to the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Mohammed Iname, the outbreak has affected 13 out of the 23 local government areas of the state with more than 260 people infected with the disease.
The affected local governments include Bodinga, Wamakko, Silame, Rabah, Wurno, Dange Shuni, Kebbe, Gwadabawa, Sabon Birni ,Tangaza, Isa, Illela, and Yabo, adding that Gwadawaba was the worst hit.
Iname urged residents to be very careful during this period as the disease is highly contagious and easily transmitted from person to person through casual contact.
He however warned medical practitioners and other health workers to stop treating infected persons at home.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacterial toxins or viral infection and marked by diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever in an infected person.