Sokoto State Records 1,160 Gastroenteritis Cases, 25 Deaths in 2024

The Sokoto State Ministry of Health has confirmed 1,160 cases of gastroenteritis and 25 fatalities across 18 local government areas (LGAs) from January to date. Most of the fatalities, 23 in total, occurred at home, while only three were recorded at healthcare facilities, according to Dr. Abdulganiyu Yusuf, Director of Public Health.

Government Interventions and Current Status

Dr. Yusuf highlighted the state's epidemiology centre’s response, which included the distribution of drugs and consumables provided by the government. He added that cases of gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as cholera, are being managed at hospitals and primary healthcare centres across the state.

Although the outbreak peaked during the rainy season, it has now subsided, with only 15 active cases under management in Sokoto North (7), Silame (6), and Kware (2) LGAs.

Health Commissioner Hajiya Asabe Balarabe described the government's response as prompt and effective. She emphasized that necessary drugs and medical supplies have been distributed to all 18 LGAs to curb the outbreak. The government confirmed that cholera cases were detected in Sokoto North, Silame, and Kware, with laboratory tests used to confirm the infections.

Measures Taken by the State

The Sokoto State Ministry of Health implemented the following steps:

Surveillance and Case Tracking: Active case searches and social mobilization campaigns were deployed to detect and manage cases promptly.
Distribution of Supplies: Essential medications and consumables were distributed to health centers across affected areas.
Public Awareness: Efforts were made to educate residents on cholera prevention and symptoms, although challenges persist in raising awareness in remote areas.

Dr. Yusuf explained that many patients sought medical care only after experiencing severe symptoms at home, such as significant weight loss due to diarrhea.

Concerns Over Gaps in Response

Despite these efforts, residents and health workers have raised concerns about the lack of designated isolation centers and specialized response teams to manage the outbreak. Health officials reported that cholera patients are often treated alongside other patients, heightening fears of further spread.

Local residents expressed frustration over the government’s perceived lapses:

Malam Musa Muhammad, a Sokoto North resident, said, “Treating outbreak patients without isolation protocols risks spreading the disease even further.”
Bello Isiyaku and Malami Muhammad, residents of Silame, echoed similar concerns, urging the government to establish isolation facilities and improve outbreak management.

Health workers also expressed alarm over the absence of central directives for treating suspected cases of gastroenteritis. One anonymous official noted that cases are handled as routine illnesses, with no specialized treatment points or isolation protocols in place.

Reporter Observations

A visit to affected areas revealed a lack of visible response teams or isolated treatment facilities. Reporters observed that healthcare centers treated cholera cases as routine illnesses, a situation residents fear could exacerbate the outbreak.

Moving Forward

The state government has yet to address public concerns about these gaps in its response strategy. Meanwhile, residents are calling for more robust measures, including:

Establishing designated isolation centers.
Deploying mobile response teams to affected areas.
Enhancing public awareness campaigns to encourage early reporting of symptoms.

Key Takeaways

Fatalities and Active Cases: 25 deaths have been recorded, and 15 active cases are currently being treated.
Government Response: Medications and consumables have been distributed, but logistical and operational gaps persist.
Resident Concerns: Lack of isolation facilities and specialized treatment points have raised alarms among citizens and health workers.

While the state’s interventions have mitigated the outbreak's severity, addressing these shortcomings will be crucial to preventing future outbreaks and ensuring public safety.