Dr. Aisha Anka, the Zamfara Commissioner for Health, has confirmed an outbreak of an unknown illness in the state, resulting in four deaths and 177 reported cases so far.
This confirmation came in a statement issued in Gusau by the Information Officer of the ministry, Malam Bello Ibrahim. According to the commissioner, the unknown illness is characterised by abdominal distension, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, fever, and general body weakness.
“The illness is found in Maradun, Shinkafi and Gusau local government areas in the state. Children are mostly affected, and the cases are associated with water consumption. So far, four deaths have been recorded, 177 cases were detected,” Anka said.
The incident has been reported to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), partners, and all other relevant stakeholders.
The Ministry of Health is currently in the emergency response phase, aiming to identify the illness and its causes. Various biological human and animal samples, soil samples, and water samples, as well as agricultural and foodstuff samples, have been collected and sent to laboratories in Lagos and Abuja for analysis.
“The ministry will continue to update the general public and all relevant stakeholders and partners on any update about the outbreak,” she added.