Three underage siblings die of 'strange disease' in Kano

Residents of the Fagge Local Government Area in Kano metropolis are apprehensive following the sudden deaths of three siblings from an unidentified ailment.

The family of the deceased told PREMIUM TIMES late Friday that what began as a high fever rapidly escalated, claiming the lives of the three children within a matter of hours.

Muhammadu Mado, an uncle to the victims, stated that the children—aged 15, eight, and four—succumbed to the mysterious illness shortly after the youngest child first showed symptoms.

Mr Mado said the death of the three children to occurred within 12 hous.

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“The tragedy began with four-year-old Ikram Yunusa, who passed away after developing a severe fever overnight. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

“Hours later, the family faced a similar nightmare when Ikram’s elder sister, Khadija Mannir, 15, succumbed to illness. Khadija passed away within 12 hours of being discharged from the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH),” Mr Mado said.

He added that the pattern continued shortly thereafter when eight-year old Halima Mannir showed identical symptoms and also lost her life.

The speed and severity of the condition have left families in the ‘Layin Yan katifa’ area in shock and mourning.

The atmosphere in the affected neighbourhoods is one of high alert, with many residents calling for immediate clarity and protection from the unidentified disease.

In response to the deaths and fear, Mr Mado said health officials have mobilised to the scene to identify the source of the outbreak.

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“The officials from the state Ministry of Health have visited the affected residence to investigate the illness and take an environmental sample to determine the cause of the sudden deaths,” he told our reporter.

The Kano State Ministry of Health is currently probing the cause of the deaths. According to spokesperson Abubakar Nabulisi, the results of the inquiry will be disclosed to the public upon completion.

In a similar incident, at least seven children reportedly died at the peak of the Sallah shopping period at the Kantin Kwari textile market.

According to a report by Daily News 24, the seven infants died on a single day due to extreme overcrowding and heat.

Ibrahim Usman, a trader at the market, told the news outlet that the surge of shoppers seeking traditional Sallah attire turned the congested area into a dangerous environment, ultimately leading to the tragic loss of lives.