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Sokoto: NCDC records seven deaths, 196 suspected cases from unknown disease

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed that no fewer than 7 deaths have been recorded from 196 suspected cases of unknown disease in Sokoto and Zamfara State

According to a statement by the NCDC on Friday, after leading response efforts to the emergence of an unknown illness in Sokoto State, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Dr Jide Idris, embarked on a high-level mission to Sokoto State for a meeting with key stakeholders.

The outbreak, which first surfaced on March 21, 2024, has already resulted in a total of 196 suspected cases and seven (7) deaths across Isa, Sabon Birni, and Ilella Local Government Areas (LGAs).

The trip started with a visit to the Sokoto Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, where updates on response activities ranging from case management, surveillance, risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) were presented.

Furthermore, challenges around limited diagnostic capacity in the state and the continued spread of the illness to neighbouring localities, including Zamfara State, were raised.

Among those present were representatives from the Sokoto State Ministry of Health, Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and partner organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), eHealth Africa, Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR), and Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N).

Dr Idris in his remarks, emphasised the urgency of the situation while acknowledging the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders and expressing concern over the lack of a definitive diagnosis.

“We are working with our sister agencies at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) to ascertain the correct diagnosis of the illness,” he stated.

“We have been assured that the result will be available tomorrow, and once we get it, information will be shared with the public,” he affirmed.

Dr Idris also visited treatment facilities, witnessing firsthand the recovery of patients from the unknown illness. This direct observation provided valuable insight into the effectiveness of ongoing treatment protocols and the resilience of affected individuals.

Beyond the technical aspects of the response, Dr. Idris also engaged with traditional leaders, including a visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, where he briefed His Highness on the mission’s objectives. In response, the Sultan commended the NCDC’s efforts, pledging support from the people of Sokoto in combating the outbreak.

As the situation evolves, the NCDC emphasises the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders to identify the illness, implement effective containment measures, and prevent further outbreaks. Public awareness campaigns and adherence to recommended safety protocols are also vital in mitigating the spread of the disease.

The collaborative efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, and international partners signify a unified commitment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the NCDC to safeguarding health in Sokoto State and beyond.

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