By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives wants the Federal Government to investigate and curtail the spread of an unidentified disease already killing people in Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State, North-East Nigeria.
The House also directed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as a matter of emergency to urgently deploy its personnel ascertain the nature of the disease.
The House also directed the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to promptly put-up surveillance to contain the spread of the disease and ensure that adequate treatment is extended to affected victims.
This was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Aboullahi El-Rasheed, member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency of Gombe state.
In his lead debate, Rep. El-Rasheed expressed concern over the outbreak of a strange and yet to be identified disease that is gradually spreading across communities in Nafada Local Government Area of Gombe State.
He disclosed that the disease has claimed the lives of youths and children within the affected communities in the last few days and the number of victims continued to increase rapidly, thereby instilling fear and apprehension in the affected communities.
The lawmaker explained that the symptoms of the disease starts with severe headache; stomach pain; vomiting and very smelly stool; leg pain and ultimately leading victims to severe overall body pain before their untimely death.
According to him, the Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has deployed more health personnel to support the existing staff of Nafada General Hospital with a view to averting the spread of the disease and extending medical attention to affected victims.
The motion reads: “Disturbed that the blood samples of few victims that were tested in Medical Laboratory have shown negative reaction to Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) which implies that the disease is yet to be diagnosed by health authorities and medical experts in Gombe State.
“Worried that the disease is fast spreading with about thirty (30) deaths recorded as of yesterday 26th February, 2024 and can potentially halt business and school activities across the communities as parents are afraid of sending their children to school due to fear of contracting the disease.
“Further worried that the situation will escalate and spread across to other neighboring communities and local governments if not properly and professionally managed,” El-Rasheed noted.
The House adopted the motion and mandated the Committees on Healthcare Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance.