- At least 24 residents of Bida, Niger State, have been hospitalised with a mysterious illness causing paralysis and loss of speech
- Health officials investigate possible link between diphenhydramine and illness spreading across several local communities in the State
- The Niger State government and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are investigating the outbreak, with 20 patients already discharged
Residents in Niger State are grappling with a sudden health crisis, as a strange illness has caused some to collapse, lose their ability to speak, and suffer from partial paralysis.
Reports indicated that 20 of the patients were discharged after receiving treatment for over a week at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital in the town.
Health officials investigate outbreak in Niger state
Bello Tukur, the state’s Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health confirmed the incident saying, “The State Rapid Response Team, alongside local health officials, investigated the outbreak and confirmed 24 cases. Three patients remain under observation, while 20 others have been discharged. No fatalities were recorded,” Tukur stated.
The illness, which sparked widespread fear in the community, has been reported in various localities, including Laruta, Ekoko, Tutijiba, Banin, and Edogifu.
Residents have described alarming symptoms, such as inability to speak, partial paralysis, and other serious health issues.
Abdulmalik Umar, a resident, recounted how two of his brothers were affected, noting that many victims were initially treated for malaria and typhoid.
Another resident, Abdullahi Shehu, shared that a couple had been found incapacitated in their home.
Officials urge hygiene, quick medical attention
Eyewitnesses reported that some of the afflicted exhibited severe symptoms such as prolonged unconsciousness, fever, weakness, numbness, and foaming at the mouth.
Bello Tukur attributed the outbreak to untreated severe malaria and typhoid. He explained that the illness was first reported on January 9, with the number of cases peaking by January 19.
Preliminary blood tests indicated that poorly treated malaria and typhoid fever were the likely causes. Tukur also mentioned that the government was investigating the possibility that hypersomnolence, caused by diphenhydramine, might be contributing to the outbreak.
He further said, “Active case searches were underway in affected communities, and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been notified for further laboratory analysis.
“The State Government is committed to addressing this health emergency. We are working closely with the NCDC and other health partners to ensure the safety of our residents,” Tukur assured.
As investigations continue, health officials have urged residents to maintain good hygiene and seek medical care immediately if they experience unusual symptoms.
Nigeria records 143 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, 22 deaths in 2025
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that NCDC reported 143 confirmed Lassa fever cases and 22 deaths across 7 states between December 2024 and January 2025.
The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) stood at 15.4%, with the majority of cases from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states.