A Spot Check Survey of Suspected Cases of Heavy Metal Poisoning (HMP) with Massive Ascites Among Aged 0 to 20 in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Niger States, Nigeria"
1
Department of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Abuja, Nigeria
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Heavy metal poisoning (HMP) is a major health concern in low and middle-income countries, especially in Northwest and Northcentral Nigeria due to unregulated mining (MSF, 2011). In March and April 2024, severe gastrointestinal illnesses were reported in Sokoto and Zamfara States, affecting children and young adults, likely linked to HMP (NCDC SitRep, 2024). The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) conducted investigation and found increased suspected cases across six states, indicating environmental contamination (NCDC SitRep, 2024).The findings will guide public health actions and support national decision-making to improve responses to HMP in these areas and contribute to global understanding of the issue (Sule, 2024). Survey Area, Design and Methods Survey was conducted in Northern Nigeria from March to September 2024 to investigate HMP linked to massive ascites cases in children and young adults. The survey team visited communities, health facilities, and assessed the environment, focusing on individuals with severe gastrointestinal symptoms. 500+ volunteers were trained to identify cases, collect data using tools like Kobo Collect and QGIS. Methods included household visits, interviews, and health record reviews to find suspected cases and evaluate health system readiness Results/Findings The HM concentration of cases was observed in Zamfara and Sokoto State, reflecting these epicentres of the outbreak. Niger State reported two suspected cases, with one death. Kaduna State found nine suspected cases during survey. In Kebbi State, one suspected case was identified. Katsina State reported three suspected cases, including one death. Overall, investigations highlight potential HMP in these six states.
CONCLUSIONS:
The spot check showed suspected cases of heavy metal exposure in Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger. Four out of five non-reporting areas reported cases for the first time. A total of 644 suspected cases were found. Recommendations include testing samples, developing treatment protocols, enhancing surveillance, and initiating community sensitization.
Heavy metal poisoning (HMP) is a major health concern in low and middle-income countries, especially in Northwest and Northcentral Nigeria due to unregulated mining (MSF, 2011). In March and April 2024, severe gastrointestinal illnesses were reported in Sokoto and Zamfara States, affecting children and young adults, likely linked to HMP (NCDC SitRep, 2024). The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) conducted investigation and found increased suspected cases across six states, indicating environmental contamination (NCDC SitRep, 2024).The findings will guide public health actions and support national decision-making to improve responses to HMP in these areas and contribute to global understanding of the issue (Sule, 2024). Survey Area, Design and Methods Survey was conducted in Northern Nigeria from March to September 2024 to investigate HMP linked to massive ascites cases in children and young adults. The survey team visited communities, health facilities, and assessed the environment, focusing on individuals with severe gastrointestinal symptoms. 500+ volunteers were trained to identify cases, collect data using tools like Kobo Collect and QGIS. Methods included household visits, interviews, and health record reviews to find suspected cases and evaluate health system readiness Results/Findings The HM concentration of cases was observed in Zamfara and Sokoto State, reflecting these epicentres of the outbreak. Niger State reported two suspected cases, with one death. Kaduna State found nine suspected cases during survey. In Kebbi State, one suspected case was identified. Katsina State reported three suspected cases, including one death. Overall, investigations highlight potential HMP in these six states.
CONCLUSIONS:
The spot check showed suspected cases of heavy metal exposure in Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger. Four out of five non-reporting areas reported cases for the first time. A total of 644 suspected cases were found. Recommendations include testing samples, developing treatment protocols, enhancing surveillance, and initiating community sensitization.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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