Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has held an emergency meeting with the health commissioners from Sokoto and Kaduna States over what can be described as an unknown illness in Sokoto and Zamfara states.
In a statement by the NCDC, the meeting which was held on Tuesday at NCDC’s Headquarters in Abuja also had the The Director General of the agency, Dr Jide Idris speak on telephone with Zamfara’s State Commissioner.
According to the statement, Dr Idris and the commissioners talked about the present state of affairs, gave updates on the response operations, and decided on additional steps to contain and lessen the effects of the sickness, which is thought to be heavy metal poisoning likely connected to mining activities.
“As of today, a total of 196 suspected cases of the unknown illness with seven (7) deaths have been reported across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Ilella Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State. Results of the analyses on the various samples sent to the different sister laboratories including NIPRID, NAFDAC and NIMR are being awaited.
“Following reports of similar cases in Zamfara State, another National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) will be deployed this week to assess the situation and provide support to the state.,”the statement read in part.
Given its proximity to the states of Sokoto and Zamfara, the NCDC asked impacted communities—including those in Kaduna State, to report any symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, weight loss, and stomach swelling and pain, to the nearest health institution or by calling the NCDC’s toll-free number (6232).
Similarly healthcare professionals were advised to notify the state epidemiologist or the LGA/State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer of any suspicious cases.
