By Joy Yesufu
At least 24 residents of Bida, Niger State, have been hospitalized following the outbreak of an unidentified illness that has left the community in worry.
Initial reports confirm that 20 of the affected individuals have since been discharged after a week-long medical intervention at the Federal Medical Centre and Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital.
The illness has been marked by alarming symptoms such as sudden collapse and loss of communication abilities, raising concerns among locals.
Niger State’s Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr. Bello Tukur, linked the outbreak to untreated severe cases of typhoid and malaria.
“The Disease Surveillance Unit, Public Health Department, Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, Niger State, received reports of this strange illness in Bida LGA on January 19, 2025,” Dr. Tukur stated.
He confirmed that the State Rapid Response Team (RRT), led by the Assistant State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, launched an investigation on January 20, in collaboration with local authorities.
The investigation revealed that patients exhibited sudden weakness and altered consciousness, with or without fever.
Currently, three patients remain hospitalized: two at FMC Bida and one at Umaru Sanda Ndayako Hospital, while others have been released.
Laboratory analysis indicated that the outbreak is primarily associated with poorly managed malaria and typhoid fever cases.
Dr. Tukur also mentioned that hypersomnolence due to diphenhydramine could be contributing to the symptoms.
Importantly, no fatalities have been reported, and all patients have received local treatment in Bida.
“Of the 24 cases reported, four remain hospitalized while 20 have been discharged. The State Government and Bida LGA are actively educating residents on environmental and personal hygiene, as well as ensuring proper nutrition,” Dr. Tukur added.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has been notified, and further laboratory investigations are ongoing.
In an effort to manage the outbreak, active case searches are being conducted in health facilities and the community, with local authorities working diligently to prevent further incidents.
