By correspondent in Minna.
Palpable fear now grips communities in Bida Local Government Area (LGA), Niger State, as about twenty-five people have been hospitalized following an outbreak of a mysterious illness.
Our correspondent gathered on Friday that the illness, which causes sudden collapses and loss of communication abilities, has sparked widespread panic, especially in communities such as Bida metropolis, Laruta, Ekoko, Tutijiba, Banin, and Edogifu.
According to our correspondent’s findings, many residents have reported having similar symptoms at various health facilities.
Our investigation also showed that no fewer than 20 individuals were treated and discharged after spending nearly two weeks at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and the Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital, both in Bida metropolis.
Abdulmalik Umar, a relative of some of the victims, recalled how two of his brothers were affected by the illness, which has so far claimed one life.
He expressed gratitude to God for the recovery of other victims, adding that his brothers were discharged after spending over a week in the hospital.
“People are really afraid and panicky because of the strange disease in our communities, domeone will collapse suddenly without any warning.”he lamented.
Abdulmalik further described the alarming symptoms, explaining that victims sometimes go to bed healthy but wake up in a critical condition, unable to speak, with paralysis and shivering.
“It comes with almost no sign, “It is really strange, “he said.
Dr. Bello Tukur, the Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, clarified that the illness is linked to untreated severe malaria and typhoid, adding that most of the victims are now in stable condition after receiving treatment.
“The State Disease Surveillance Unit, Public Health Department, and Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health received information about the outbreak in Bida LGA on 19/01/2025
“The State Rapid Response Team, led by the Assistant State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, visited Laruta community and FMC Bida on 20/01/2025 for a case investigation,Dr. Tukur explained.
He also noted that three patients were stable and responding to treatment, adding that the index case was reported on 09/01/2025, involving the focal person of PHC Laruta, who first experienced stomach cramps and headaches before collapsing.
Other symptoms in patients ,he said,include sudden weakness, altered or total loss of consciousness, with or without fever.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
