The Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Mohammed Iname, has confirmed outbreak of gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu in13 out of the 23 local government areas of the state, leading to the death of 23 people.
Speaking to news men today, August 3 in the state capital, Mohammed Iname said that 260 people have so far been infected with the disease, saying that some of the affected local government areas are Dange/Shuni, Kebne, Gwadabawa, Tangaza, Isa, Bodinga, Wamakko, and Silame.
The commissioner called on the residents to be very careful during this period as the disease is highly contagious and easily transmitted from person to person through casual contact.
He advised them to limit the rate of visitation to affected areas as this has been discovered to be a major source of transmission.
The commissioner also warned medical practitioners and other health workers to stop treating infected persons at home.
He said the state government has made adequate provisions to tackle the outbreak and seeking help from experts and relevant agencies to curb the spread.
The commissioner assured that the state government is addressing the issues around the disease.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacterial toxins or viral infection and marked by diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever in an infected person.
It is typically spread by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water.
In Sokoto, authorities say Gwadabawa Local Government Area has recorded the highest infection rate with over 47 confirmed cases.
