Sokoto deploys emergency medical team following suspected fever outbreak

The Sokoto State Government has sent emergency medical personnel, drugs and other essential supplies to Bodinga Local Government Area following a suspected fever outbreak that has reportedly killed some residents and left several others ill, particularly in Sifawa community.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, said the government had activated emergency response measures to contain the suspected outbreak and prevent further deaths.

Wurno confirmed the reported fatalities on Saturday, adding that medical personnel and essential supplies had been sent to the affected communities to provide treatment and prevent further spread of the disease.

He expressed concern that some victims reportedly died after receiving treatment within their communities without first visiting recognised health facilities.

The commissioner urged residents to seek medical attention as soon as they noticed symptoms, warning against self-medication and reliance on traditional remedies.

He also said the government had stepped up public awareness campaigns to encourage residents to report suspected cases early.

“We have mobilised emergency health personnel and dispatched drugs and other essential medical supplies to the affected communities to ensure that those who are ill receive the necessary attention,” he said.

Wurno called on residents to cooperate with health workers and take anyone showing symptoms to the nearest health facility without delay.

The chairman of Bodinga Local Government Area, Alhaji Shehu Muhammad Dingyadi, said the council was working with the State Ministry of Health and relevant federal and state agencies to control the situation.

He expressed confidence that the outbreak was being brought under control, adding that the local government was supporting the state government’s response.

The suspected outbreak has also raised concerns about access to healthcare in the affected communities, particularly the need for early diagnosis, proper disease surveillance and sufficient medical supplies.

However, health authorities have yet to identify the disease responsible for the fever or establish the number of confirmed cases and actual deaths.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the affected communities and investigate the cause of the outbreak as efforts to contain it continue.

Residents have been advised to report suspected cases promptly and seek medical attention at recognised health facilities.