A mysterious illness in Laruta, Bida, Niger State, has claimed two lives and left over 27 hospitalised, sparking fear among residents.
The disease, marked by sudden collapse, prolonged unconsciousness, and body weakness, has baffled health authorities.
Umar Sanda, a resident of Laruta, recounted how he contracted the illness after visiting his infected brother.
“I went to console my brother who was infected with the disease, and after that, I went back to my room to sleep.
All of a sudden, I couldn’t wake up again,” he said.
He continued, “From that fateful morning, my wife said she tried waking me up several times but couldn’t.
“By 3 PM, she found me with my mouth open and saliva coming out.”
Umar was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, where he regained consciousness three days later.
Another recovered patient, who wished to remain anonymous, shared a similar ordeal.
“I just woke up in the morning, but I couldn’t wake up on my own again. My family took me to Umaru Sanda General Hospital, Bida,” the recovered patient said.
The outbreak has devastated the community, claiming the life of Alhaji Abubakar, the Chief Imam of Laruta, who died after five days at FMC.
His son, Mohammed, said, “My daddy died three weeks ago of a strange illness. Doctors ran several checks but couldn’t find anything.”
Local practitioner Aliyu Alhaji Alkali revealed, “I have treated and discharged 17 patients and referred many critical cases to FMC.
The symptoms include body weakness and sudden collapse.”
Authorities are yet to determine the cause of the illness, which continues to spread among residents, leaving many unable to walk or speak properly after regaining consciousness.