About 30 people have reportedly died from an unidentified illness in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Health officials have dismissed rumors that the illness is Ebola.
State Epidemiologist Dr Ahmad Muhammad Gusau said patients have shown symptoms similar to malaria. He said the cause has not been established, and the state will make no conclusive statement until laboratory results are in.
Some of those who died also had diabetes or high blood pressure, Gusau said, so not every death can yet be linked to the illness.
What is being done
The Zamfara Ministry of Health has sent a rapid response team to Shinkafi. Samples have gone to the National Reference Laboratory to check for dengue fever, chikungunya and other fever-causing diseases.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has not yet commented publicly on the illness or said whether it is investigating.
Why the Ebola fear
Rumors spread quickly because Nigeria confirmed an imported Ebola case in Abuja on October 20. Two suspected cases in Adamawa later tested negative. Officials say there is no evidence of Ebola in Zamfara, but only test results can confirm the cause.
Protect yourself
Dengue and chikungunya are spread by mosquitoes. Sleep under treated nets, clear standing water around your home, and cover your skin, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Go to a health facility if you have a high fever, severe headache, joint or muscle pain, a rash, or vomiting. Do not self-medicate. If you also have unexplained bleeding or have been in contact with a suspected Ebola case, call NCDC on 6232. If the line does not connect, contact your state Ministry of Health or nearest government hospital by phone before going in person.
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