Mystery illness kills 4 as government issues chilling 'children at risk' warning

13 May 2024 , 05:46

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Four people have been killed so far (file image) (Image: JAGADEESH NV/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

A baffling illness has claimed the lives of four individuals, with officials raising alarms that 'children are at risk'.

In Zamfara, Nigeria, a mysterious disease has wreaked havoc, resulting in four fatalities. The local government confirmed the grim toll and highlighted that "children are at risk" amidst an ongoing struggle with the unidentified ailment. To date, 177 people have been reported as infected by the disease.

Health Minister Dr Aisha Anka addressed the media earlier this week to confirm the deaths. The disease's characteristics and the symptoms leading to the deaths were also disclosed.

A list of symptoms was released by doctors and an emergency response dispatched (file) (No credit)

Symptoms identified include abdominal swelling, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, enlarged liver and spleen, fever, and overall weakness, all associated with the disease currently spreading through Nigeria, according to the Daily Star. Dr Anka further revealed that the disease has infiltrated three villages, with cases reported in Maradun, Shinkafi, and Gusau. Local authorities have acknowledged these instances.

The National Centre for Disease Control has been notified about the surge in cases and fatalities, with an emergency response activated to tackle the escalating infection rates.

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Reports of other deaths in Nigeria of a mystery illness were aired (file) (No credit)

Dr Anka elaborated: "Children are mostly affected and the cases are associated with water consumption. So far, four deaths have been recorded, 177 cases were detected."

In a shocking turn of events, 45 individuals have reportedly died from an unidentified illness in Gundutse village, Kano state. It remains unclear whether this deadly disease, which has claimed the lives of women, children and the elderly, is the same as the one currently wreaking havoc in Zamfara. At the height of this mysterious illness, it's believed that the community in Gundutse village was burying up to five people daily.

Ewan Gleadow