Suspected Lead Poisoning Outbreak Sickens Over 100 Children in Zamfara

In Zamfara State, health officials say more than 100 children have fallen ill and are receiving treatment in various hospitals following a suspected outbreak of lead poisoning. The illness is reported to affect mostly young children, many of whom have been admitted with severe abdominal swelling.

Bashiru Muhammad Bungudu, who oversees primary health care in Bungudu local government area, told reporters that the outbreak appears concentrated in several villages and is hitting children aged five to twelve the hardest. He said the symptoms include swelling of the stomach, fever, weakness and vomiting.

Zamfara’s health commissioner, Dr Nafisa Muhammed Maradun, confirmed that at least 102 children had been diagnosed and four had died. She said the state government has sent medical experts to determine the exact cause of the illness and has opened a special treatment centre to care for patients and prevent the disease from spreading.

According to health officials, the most affected local government areas are Maradun, Bakura, Talata Mafara, Gummi, Bukkuyum, Maru, Bungudu and Tsafe. Authorities are urging parents to seek immediate medical attention for any child showing symptoms and to follow preventive measures until the source of the contamination is identified.