Sokoto deploys medical team over suspected fever outbreak

The Sokoto State Government has deployed emergency medical personnel, drugs and other supplies to Bodinga Local Government Area following reports of deaths and illnesses linked to a suspected fever outbreak in the area.

The intervention followed reports of several affected residents, particularly in Sifawa town, prompting the state government to activate emergency response measures.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, disclosed this in a telephone interview with PUNCH Online on Saturday, saying additional medical personnel and essential supplies had been sent to the affected communities to provide treatment and prevent further deaths.

Wurno acknowledged reports of fatalities but said many of the affected persons had received treatment within their communities before seeking medical attention at formal health facilities.

He urged residents to take anyone experiencing symptoms of the suspected fever to the nearest health facility without delay.

We are appealing to residents to take anyone exhibiting symptoms to the nearest health facility for immediate medical attention. They should avoid self-medication and ensure that suspected cases are reported promptly,” he said.

The commissioner added that the government had intensified public awareness campaigns to encourage early treatment and reporting of suspected cases.

The Chairman of Bodinga Local Government Area, Shehu Dingyadi, told PUNCH online on Saturday that the council was working with the state Ministry of Health and relevant federal and state agencies to contain the situation.

He expressed optimism that the response was making progress, adding that the council was providing support to complement the state government’s intervention.

Meanwhile, a community advocate, Comrade Nasir Sifawa, appealed to government authorities, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide urgent assistance to affected residents.

He described the situation as a serious humanitarian concern and called for increased medical support to protect vulnerable people in the communities.

The cause of the suspected outbreak, the number of people affected and the number of deaths had yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.