The Zamfara State Ministry of Health, has confirmed the outbreak of an unknown disease that has affected 177 persons and tragically killed 4 among them.
In a public announcement signed and made available to Radio Nigeria by the information officer of the Ministry, Bello Ibrahim said the outbreak that affects mostly children was recorded in Maradun, Gusau and Shinkafi local government areas of the state.
According to him, the ministry led by Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Aisha M.Z. Anka has described the symptoms of the illness to include abdominal distension, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, enlarged liver and spleen, fever, and general body weakness.
The Ministry has swiftly engaged with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant partners to address the situation, saying the Ministry is in emergency response mode, working to identify the illness and its causes while implementing containment measures.
To facilitate this process, samples including biological human and animal specimens, soil, water, and various foodstuff samples have been dispatched to laboratories in Lagos and Abuja for thorough analysis.
Abdulrazak Kaura
