Unknown Disease Strikes Niger, 24 Residents Hospitalised
Kehinde Fajobi
At least 24 residents of Bida, Niger State, have been hospitalised following the outbreak of an unidentified illness that has left many collapsing or losing their ability to speak.
20 of the affected individuals have been discharged after over a week of treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital in Bida.
Abdulmalik Umar, a resident, revealed that his two brothers were among those hospitalised but have since recovered.
“There is real fear in the community. People collapse suddenly without warning. Some go to bed healthy but wake up unable to speak or in critical condition. It’s heartbreaking,” he said.
Umar added, “Victims lose their ability to communicate or suffer paralysis. Hospitals are treating them with malaria and typhoid medications, but the illness remains unidentified.”
Another resident, Abdullahi Shehu, described a case involving a couple: “Their infant’s cries alerted neighbours, who broke into their room to find both unable to speak or move.”
The illness has reportedly affected areas such as Laruta, Ekoko, Tutijiba, Banin, and Edogifu. Some residents, like Ibrahim Adamu of Laruta, are panicking.
“People are leaving the town. If this disease is airborne, it’s a serious threat to the state and the country. Authorities must act urgently,” he said.
Symptoms reported include sudden weakness, unconsciousness, fever, numbness, and inability to walk or speak properly after regaining consciousness. Some victims reportedly foamed at the mouth during the attacks.
When contacted, Niger State Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr. Bello Tukur, attributed the cases to untreated severe typhoid and malaria.
He stated, “The Disease Surveillance Unit received information on 19 January 2025 about an outbreak in Bida LGA. On 20 January, a Rapid Response Team investigated Laruta and FMC Bida. Three patients were on admission, stable and responding to treatment.”
Dr. Tukur clarified that 24 cases were recorded, with no deaths.
“Symptoms included sudden onset of weakness and loss of consciousness, with or without fever. Twenty patients have been discharged, and four remain under observation,” he added.
He disclosed that blood samples indicated poorly treated malaria, typhoid fever, and hypersomnolence due to diphenhydramine.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has been notified, and additional tests are ongoing.
The state government has initiated public sensitisation on hygiene and nutrition while conducting active case searches within communities.