Sokoto State has recorded no fewer than 23 deaths due to an outbreak of gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, in some communities.
This was confirmed by the state Commissioner for Health Mohammed Iname, on Tuesday.
He lamented that the outbreak has affected 13 out of the 23 local government areas of the state, as more than 260 people have been infected with the disease.
According to him, affected local government areas are Dange/Shuni, Kebne, Gwadabawa, Tangaza, Isa, Bodinga, Wamakko, and Silame.
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacterial toxins or viral infection and marked by diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever in an infected person.
It is typically spread by contact with an infected person or through contaminated food or water.
Iname, however, advised the residents to be watchful as the disease is highly contagious and easily transmitted from person to person through casual contact.
The commissioner also warned medical practitioners and other health workers to stop treating infected persons at home, adding that the state government has made adequate provisions to tackle the outbreak and is seeking help from experts and relevant agencies to curb the spread.