…..meet with states officials
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed that number of death from the unknown disease that recently broke out in Sokoto and Zamfara states has risen to seven.
The Centre also confirmed that the disease has extended to Kaduna State, and might be recorded in other neighboring communities.
It also disclosed that a total of 196 suspected cases have been reported across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Ilella Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State.
NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, in a statement, on Friday, said he recently held emergency meeting with Commissioners for Health from Sokoto and Kaduna States, and also had a phone conversation with the
Zamfara’s State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, Dr. Aisha Anka and Hajiya Umma Ahmed, respectively, on the matter.
He said the meeting was to access the situation and, perhaps, unravel the cause, as well as offer suggestions on how to contain and mitigate the impact of the ongoing incidents of unknown origin in both Sokoto and Zamfara States.
He disclosed that similar cases was recently reported in Zamfara, stating that officials of the National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) would be deployed to the State soon to assess the situation and provide necessary support to the state.
“However, results of the analysis on the various samples sent to the different laboratories including NIPRID, NAFDAC and NIMR are being awaited. So, we urge affected and nearby communities even in Kaduna State, given its proximity to Sokoto and Zamfara states, to report any symptoms including fever, abdominal swelling and pain, vomiting, and weight loss to the nearest health facility or call NCDC toll free line (6232).”
The NCDC boss also urged healthcare workers to report suspected cases to LGA/State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer or State Epidemiologist.
He promised renewed commitment to working closely with affected states to effectively contain the incidents, and will continue to provide updates to the public as new information becomes available.
