Community on edge as mysterious illness hits 24 in Niger State

An outbreak of an unidentified illness in Bida, Niger State, has left 24 residents hospitalized, though 20 have since been discharged after receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre and Umaru Sanda Ndayako General Hospital.

The illness, marked by sudden collapse and loss of communication abilities, has caused concern in the community. Dr. Bello Tukur, Niger State Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, attributed the cases to untreated severe typhoid and malaria.

According to Dr. Tukur, the outbreak was reported to the state’s Disease Surveillance Unit on January 19, 2025, prompting an investigation by the State Rapid Response Team and local health officials. Symptoms included sudden weakness, altered consciousness, and fever in some cases.

Blood tests linked the illness to poorly treated malaria and typhoid fever, with hypersomnolence caused by diphenhydramine identified as a potential contributing factor.

No fatalities were recorded, and all cases have been treated locally. Dr. Tukur confirmed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has been notified and further investigations are ongoing.

Local authorities have intensified community sensitization on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention to avert further outbreaks. Active case searches continue in health facilities and the community to manage the situation.