A mysterious ailment sweeping through Laruta, Bida, Niger State, has claimed two lives and left over 27 people hospitalized, creating widespread fear and uncertainty in the community.
The illness, characterized by sudden collapse, prolonged unconsciousness, and severe body weakness, has left health authorities puzzled and unable to determine its cause.
One of the survivors, Umar Sanda, shared his chilling experience of contracting the illness after visiting his infected brother. “I went to console my brother, who was already suffering from the disease. After returning to my room to sleep, I suddenly couldn’t wake up again,” he recounted.
He continued, “My wife told me she tried waking me up multiple times that morning but couldn’t. By 3 PM, she found me with my mouth open and saliva dripping out.”
Umar was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, where he regained consciousness three days later.
Another survivor, who chose to remain anonymous, narrated a similar ordeal. “I woke up in the morning, but I couldn’t get up on my own again. My family had to take me to Umaru Sanda General Hospital in Bida,” he said.
Mysterious Illness Claims Lives and Hospitalizes Dozens in Niger Community
The outbreak has brought grief to the community, including the loss of Alhaji Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Laruta. He passed away after battling the illness for five days at FMC.
His son, Mohammed, shared, “My father died three weeks ago from this strange illness. The doctors conducted multiple tests but couldn’t identify the problem.”
Local health practitioner Aliyu Alhaji Alkali disclosed that he has treated and discharged 17 patients while referring several severe cases to FMC. “The symptoms include body weakness and sudden collapse,” he said.
The cause of the illness remains unknown, and its spread continues to worry residents. Survivors report difficulty walking or speaking properly even after regaining consciousness.
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