The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to look into and contain the outbreak of an unidentified disease that has led to fatalities in Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria.
In response, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to swiftly dispatch personnel to ascertain the nature of the disease as an urgent priority.
Additionally, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was tasked with implementing surveillance measures to control the disease’s spread and ensure proper treatment for affected individuals.
These decisions came following the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance presented by Aboullahi El-Rasheed, the representative for Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, Gombe State.
El-Rasheed highlighted the emergence of the unidentified disease that is spreading within communities in Nafada Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of youths and children in recent days. The increasing number of victims has caused fear and concern among the affected communities.
Symptoms of the disease include severe headache, stomach pain, vomiting, foul-smelling stool, leg pain, and severe body pain before death.
To address the situation, the Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has deployed additional health personnel to support the staff of Nafada General Hospital and prevent further spread while providing medical care to affected individuals.
Concerned by the negative reaction of blood samples to Cerebrospinal Meningitis and the increasing death toll, the House expressed worry that the disease, which has already claimed about 30 lives as of February 26, 2024, could disrupt daily activities such as business and schooling as parents fear for their children’s safety.
There are further concerns that without proper management, the disease could spread to neighboring communities and local governments.
In adopting the motion, the House directed the Committees on Healthcare Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure full compliance with the resolution.