At least 30 hospitalized by strange illness in Nigeria

By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

KANO, Nigeria (AA) - At least 30 people suspected to have contracted a strange illness were hospitalized in the northern city of Kano on Thursday.

The sick were from six villages under the Rogo local government area of Kano state, located 136 kilometers (85 miles) from the city.

The victims were reportedly rushed to the area’s primary health center after passing excessive blood urine and vomiting.

The situation is getting worse as local healers and medicine stores are being overwhelmed in Unguwan Rijiyan Dadi, Gwanwan Gabas, Gwangwan Yamma, Unguwar Tsarmai, Gangare and Unguwar Kofar Fada.

Residents are complaining about receiving little help from the government.

A resident of Gwangwan Gabas confirmed that 56 people contracted the illness since its outbreak.

"We rushed no fewer than 30 people to the Rogo General Hospital within a day of the outbreak,” said Muhammad Tukur. “So far only one person has died as a result of the outbreak. Most of the victims of the disease have complained of spending a lot of money on the disease."

Shehu Adamu, a resident from Gangare, said that two of his children have been affected.

He said he has spent more than 20,000 naira ($52) at the hospital trying to get his family treated despite difficult times.

Eight people are affected in Idris Isah Jibrin’s house and he said he is completely devastated. Affected members include his wife, mother and children, who cannot stand.

He said he has spent 100,000 naira ($262) between Rogo Hospital and Gwarzo Hospital without any real result.

The Kano state government confirmed the death of three people on Tuesday and 284 others hospitalized after drinking water from a nearby cemetery and consuming expired powder flavored drinks.

The government has debunked any links between the illness and the coronavirus, however, part of the symptoms associated with the ailment include urinary blood, vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, fever and dizziness.

Although the state ministry of health has not categorically declared the cause, it confirmed victims in 13 local government areas, including eight metropolitan councils.

Sulaiman Ilyasu, director of infectious diseases at the Health Ministry confirmed the development but insisted the ministry has only received reports of four people falling ill and they have since been treated.