Strange disease: Six dead, 46 hospitalised in Kano

The Kano state government, on Monday, confirmed that six persons have died of a strange disease in Minjibir LGA of the state.

Aminu Tsanyawa, Kano commissioner for health, confirmed the development, adding that 46 affected persons have been hospitalised.

Tsanyawa said the outbreak began in Gandun Koya village on May 7, and spread to nearby communities.

“The cause of the outbreak can be attributed to open defecation and poor sanitation in the communities,” he said.

“The patients presented symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting. Six persons died of the disease, 28 were discharged, and 18 others are still on admission.”

The commissioner added that the ministry of health has begun investigation to unravel the cause of the disease.

He, however, urged the residents to maintain a clean environment and ensure personal hygiene to control the spread of the disease.

The development comes weeks after a similar outbreak occurred in the state, which was said to have been caused by the consumption of contaminated drinks.

“Reports indicated that the infection involves sachet water and local drinks suspected to be prepared with expired and adulterated products,” Shaba Muhammad, coordinator of the National Agency of Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Kano, had said on the previous outbreak.