The House of Representatives on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to investigate and contain the spread of an unexplained sickness that has killed many people in Gombe State’s Nafada Local Government Area.
The House requested that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare immediately dispatch personnel to determine the nature of the ailment.
The House also requested the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to implement monitoring measures to prevent the disease from spreading and to guarantee that afflicted people receive sufficient treatment.
The resolution came after Aboullahi El-Rasheed, the member representing the Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency in Gombe State, presented a motion on subjects of urgent public significance.
He stated that the Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency has dispatched more health workers to assist the current staff members of Nafada General Hospital in limiting the disease’s spread and providing medical care to affected individuals.
He said:
“The House is disturbed that the blood samples of few victims that were tested in medical laboratory have shown negative reaction to Cerebrospinal Meningitis, 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 30 deaths recorded as of February 26, 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 to neighbouring communities and local governments if not properly and professionally managed.”
cc: Punch Ng
