Dr. Jide Idris, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, announced on Tuesday the commencement of investigations into an unusual illness identified in six wards within Sokoto State. The agency swiftly deployed a National Rapid Response Team in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health to address the incidents. Notified by the state ministry on March 21, 2024, Dr. Idris outlined the reported cases primarily involving children aged four to 13 from Isa Local Government Area, exhibiting symptoms such as abdominal distension, fever, vomiting, and weight loss.
The NCDC’s response involved the deployment of a National Rapid Response Team to Isa LGA, where 164 suspected cases have been identified across six wards. Regrettably, four deaths have been recorded among these cases. Similar incidents were previously documented in 2023, also without a definitive diagnosis. Currently, two suspected cases receive care at Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, with one discharged due to improved symptoms. Additionally, four suspected cases are admitted at Isa General Hospital, while approximately 130 cases receive care either within Primary Healthcare Centres or through home care in the affected LGA.
Initial clinical assessments and investigations ruled out an infectious origin, prompting further exploration, including heavy metal testing. Results of the initial heavy metal tests on the index and first few suspected cases revealed varying blood levels of lead and Chromium. Activities observed in the affected communities, such as mining and agricultural practices involving chemicals and pesticides, along with potentially detrimental health-seeking behaviors, prompted the collection and dispatch of various samples for analysis, including blood, abdominal fluids, soil, water, locally grown food produce, substances used in food and drinks, as well as pesticides and chemicals.
The NCDC collaborates with stakeholders to support the state government in actively searching for cases and unraveling the outbreak, despite security challenges hampering access to the community. Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of vigilance among affected and nearby communities, urging them to promptly report anyone presenting with symptoms to the nearest health facilities or via the NCDC toll-free line.
