NCDC Calls for Vigilance Over Illness of Unknown Origin in Sokoto state
The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr. Olajide Idris, has called for vigilance among residents of Sokoto state over an illness of unknown origin reported among children aged 4 to 13, including some adults in the state.
By Frank Ajufo
The Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr. Olajide Idris, has called for vigilance among residents of Sokoto state over an illness of unknown origin reported among children aged 4 to 13, including some adults in the state.
Speaking at a press briefing at the NCDC Headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Idris, revealed that the centre was notified by the Sokoto state ministry of health on March 21 of children in Isa Local Government Area having reported cases of abdominal distension, fever, vomiting and weight loss.
While stating that there was a similar occurrence in 2023 without a definitive diagnosis, the DG explained that a total number of 164 suspected cases have currently been identified in six wards of the local government area, out of which four deaths have been recorded.
He said despite the challenge of insecurity in the state, the NCDC is collaborating with other stakeholders to support the state in the active search for cases and finding a definitive explanation to the outbreak.
Dr. Idris, applauded the role of the Sokoto state government, the state ministry of health, Uthman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, and healthcare workers, while empathizing with families that may have lost their loved ones.
Vision FM’s correspondent, Frank Ajufo, reports that the DG reiterated that there is currently no definite diagnosis and that other laboratories like NIPRD and NAFDAC have been included to hasten tests results for heavy metals.
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