The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed an outbreak of an unidentified disease in Sokoto state, with 164 suspected cases reported across six wards in Isa local government area.
Dr Jide Idris, NCDC director general, revealed that symptoms include abdominal distension, fever, vomiting, and weight loss, affecting mostly children aged 4 to 13 years. Four deaths have been recorded among the suspected cases.
The NCDC deployed a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) to investigate and respond to the incident, as similar occurrences were documented in 2023 without a definitive diagnosis. Currently, two suspected cases are receiving care at Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, while four others are admitted at Isa General Hospital.
Initial assessments ruled out an infectious origin, prompting heavy metal testing, which revealed high levels of lead in the blood of affected cases. Further tests are ongoing to determine the disease's cause. Dr Idris urged vigilance and prompt reporting of symptoms to healthcare facilities or the NCDC toll-free line in affected communities.
