The Zamfara State Government has confirmed 38 cases of an unidentified illness in parts of the state, with Shinkafi Local Government Area accounting for most of the reported infections.
Other cases have also been identified in Moriki, within Zurmi Local Government Area, according to the state Ministry of Health.
A situation report released by the Ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) showed that the cases were recorded as of October 29, 2026, prompting the government to activate an emergency response to determine the cause of the illness and contain its spread.
The ministry said a multidisciplinary response team, headed by the Director of Public Health, Dr. Yusuf Abubakar, had been dispatched to the affected communities to conduct investigations, enhance disease surveillance and coordinate medical interventions.
According to a statement by the ministry’s Information and Public Relations Officer, affected persons have presented symptoms including fever, headaches, loss of appetite, vomiting, body pains and general weakness.
Although preliminary medical assessments have raised suspicions of malaria, gastroenteritis and meningitis, the ministry said laboratory tests were still ongoing to establish the actual cause of the illness.
Medical personnel deployed to the affected areas are currently examining patients in health facilities in Shinkafi and Moriki, distributing essential medications and medical supplies, and collecting samples for laboratory analysis in Sokoto.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Maradun, has called on residents of the affected communities to report to health facilities immediately if they develop any of the symptoms.
She also warned against self-medication, urging residents to follow medical advice and cooperate with health officials as investigations and containment efforts continue.
