The Sokoto State Government has confirmed nine deaths as a result of as suspected case of gastroenteritis in seven local government areas of the state.
Gastroenteritis occurs when a person’s stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed. The cause is typically a viral or bacterial infection, experts say.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mr. Mustapha Ali, on Friday in Sokoto, listed six of the affected LGAs as Illela, Sabon-Birni, Gada, Goronyo, Isa and Tureta.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that most of the LGAs border the Niger Republic.
Ali stated that the situation was under control, as the state and Federal Government officials have been deployed to the affected areas, while medications and other aids have also been made available.
He, however, refuted the claims that it was an outbreak of cholera, noting that experts have since taken samples for laboratory tests, in line with standard practice.
According to the PS, preliminary investigations reveal that the deaths may be due to the consumption of contaminated water, as rain is at its peak in the affected areas.
Ali said 80 patients were hospitalised in Tureta town and its suburbs, adding that all the deaths are those recorded within the primary health care centres and hospitals.
Ali also confirmed the death of one person, which occurred at Internally Displaced Persons’ camp in Gandi village.
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