The Zamfara State Government said four people have died out of 177 cases of a yet-to-be-diagnosed disease in parts of the state.
Zamfara Commissioner for Health, Dr Aisha Anka in a statement on Friday said the illness is found in Maradun, Shinkafi and Gusau local government areas in the state.
According to her, children are mostly affected and the cases are associated with water consumption
Anka, in the statement issued in Gusau on Friday by the Information Officer of the ministry, Malam Bello Ibrahim added that the disease is characterized by abdominal distension, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, enlarge liver, enlarge spleen, fever and general body weakness.
“So far, four deaths have been recorded, 177 cases were detected,” Anka said.
“The incident has been reported to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), partners and all other relevant stakeholders.
The ministry of health is currently on the emergency response phase to identify the illnesses and causes.
“Various biological human and animal samples, soil samples, water samples, agricultural and foodstuff samples have been taken to Lagos and Abuja laboratories for analysis.
“The ministry will continue to update the general public and all relevant stakeholders and partners on any update about the outbreak,”she added. (NAN)
