An unidentified ailment in Zamfara State has claimed 13 lives, with over 500 reported cases, primarily affecting children and women in communities.
This alarming situation continues to challenge local healthcare systems and raise concerns across neighbouring regions.
A local health worker stated: “In Tsibiri village of Maradun Local Council, where the disease was first reported in February, we have had four deaths and 228 cases so far. Of these, 10 patients faced severe complications and were referred to the Shehu Shagari Disease Control Centre in Gusau.”
The source added that the disease not only persisted in Tsibiri, but spread to other areas, including Shinkafi and Gusau local councils, as well as Isa and Zurmi in neighbouring Sokoto State.
In Shinkafi’s Galadi village, severe fever and abdominal disorders marked the arrival of the disease in April, according to a health worker at the local Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC).
“We have recorded over 100 cases and six deaths, with more than 60 patients referred to higher medical facilities due to serious complications,” the employee reported.
Spread of the disease has prompted urgent calls for government intervention.
“We need more medical experts on the ground to manage and contain the spread before it reaches more communities,” appealed a medical official.
Musa Salisu, a Maradun resident, emphasised the dual threat of disease and local banditry, which complicates access to healthcare.
He noted: “Although the disease has not reached Maradun town yet, the presence of bandits near the Maradun General Hospital poses a significant risk to those seeking care.”
On the symptoms of the mysterious illness, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Aisha Anka, stated: “Patients suffer from abdominal distension, fluid accumulation, enlarged liver and spleen, fever and general weakness, likely due to contaminated water.”
The state has reported the outbreak to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and is cooperating on emergency response measures.
Anka added: “We have sent samples to laboratories in Lagos and Abuja to pinpoint the cause and devise a plan to control the outbreak.”
