Alarm raised over mystery ‘stomach swelling’ disease that’s killed 4 and left more than 150 sick
HEALTH experts are scrambling to find the cause of a mystery disease outbreak in Nigeria, which has killed at least four and seen 130 hospitalised.
Those struck by the illness – mostly children – suffered from stomach swelling, fever, vomiting and weight loss.
Since March 21, 164 suspected cases have been reported, most involving children aged between four and 13.
All infections have come from Sokoto, found in the country’s north-west region.
A rapid response team was sent to the area to “respond” and “investigate”, Dr Jide Idris, from Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, said.
“So far, a total of 164 suspected cases have been identified,” he told a press conference reported by the local paper Tribune Online.
“Unfortunately, four deaths have been recorded among the suspected cases.
“A similar incident was previously documented in 2023, also without a definitive diagnosis.”
He continued: “Two suspected cases are receiving care in Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, and one was discharged due to improved symptoms.
“Four other suspected cases are also on admission at the Isa General Hospital, while about 130 cases are also receiving care either within the Primary Healthcare Centres or home care in the affected LGA (local government area).”
Metal found in blood samples
Blood samples from infected patients have shown high levels of the metals lead and chromium.
The discovery has encouraged officials to look into local mining and agricultural practices.
“In this regard, various samples of materials have also been taken and dispatched for analyses,” the doctor said.
“This includes blood, abdominal fluids, environmental samples like soil and water, locally grown food produce including vegetables and grains, substances and ingredients used for food and drinks, pesticides and chemicals used in local guns,” he added.
Check out this other mysterious disease which left almost 100 girls paralysed
Dozens of girls in Kenya supposedly sickened by a paralysing 'illness' fell victim to hysteria, authorities have claimed.
More than 100 students were suddenly struck down in September 2023 at an all-girls school in Musoli, 232 miles (374km) north west of Nairobi.
Alarming footage that circulated online seemingly showed pupils struggling to walk and shaking uncontrollably.
But local officials have now said the mystery spate of cases was actually triggered by hysteria.
They blamed pupils’ anxiety over upcoming end of year exams.
Lassa fever
It comes as Nigeria is suffering from an outbreak of Lassa fever, with more than 150 deaths registered in the country this year after hundreds died from the disease in 2023.
Lassa fever is an illness caused by the Lassa virus, which is listed on the World Health Organization’s list of notorious pathogens that have epidemic or pandemic potential.
It is known to be endemic in Benin, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo and Nigeria, but probably exists in other West African countries as well.
Three cases were reported in Britain in 2022 in a family who had returned from West Africa to Bedfordshire, with a newborn baby tragically dying from the virus.
The virus causes headaches, weakness, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pains and a sore throat.
In severe cases, it can lead to bleeding from the ears, eyes, nose, mouth and other body openings, as well as breathing problems, facial swelling, chest pain and shock.