The Zamfara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aisha Anka, reported an outbreak of an unknown illness that has already resulted in four deaths and 177 reported cases.
The confirmation was made through a statement released by Malam Bello Ibrahim, the Information Officer at the Ministry of Health.
The illness, presenting with symptoms such as abdominal distension, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, enlarged liver and spleen, fever, and overall body weakness, has been primarily affecting children across Maradun, Shinkafi, and Gusau local government areas.
The Ministry of Health is actively engaged in an emergency response operation to manage and mitigate the outbreak. Dr. Anka assured the public and stakeholders that the ministry will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and efforts to control the situation progress.
Prior to the emergence of this illness, Zamfara State had been struggling with various health challenges, including outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and meningitis.