34 hospitalised due to heavy metal poisoning
At least 34 residents of Sokoto are currently receiving medical treatment at a specialist hospital after being affected by a heavy metal poisoning outbreak in the state.
The victims, farmers from Tureta Local Government Area, have been hospitalized for over a week, according to reports.
However, the state government has assured residents that it is working to contain the outbreak, which has drawn the attention of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruk Wurno, disclosed that additional cases had been reported in multiple local government areas, with some patients receiving palliative treatment at general hospitals.
“A high-level stakeholders’ meeting has been convened to strategise on effective case management and containment measures. All principal health officers have been put on high alert, and necessary medical supplies are being dispatched to affected areas.
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“The exact source of the poisoning remains under investigation. While previous studies have pointed to contamination from heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, the NCDC, alongside the Africa CDC, is conducting further research to confirm the primary cause. Samples collected two weeks ago are currently being analysed.
“Treatment and feeding for affected patients are ongoing under the directive of the governor. We are awaiting scientific confirmation of the cause before taking decisive action to prevent future occurrences,” he said.
While concerns have been raised about possible links to illegal mining activities, Wurno emphasised that regulatory measures would only be implemented once conclusive evidence is obtained.
“We must base our actions on scientific findings rather than speculation,” Wurno said.
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