Katsina State Reports Recovery of Students Following Bilharzia Medication Reactions

The Katsina State Government has reported that the majority of students who experienced adverse reactions during a recent Bilharzia prevention exercise have recovered and returned to school. According to the State Commissioner for Health, Hon. Musa Adamu Funtua, over 80 percent of the affected students have been discharged from medical facilities.

Overview of the Incident

The health crisis occurred following a routine preventive health program at the Government Science Secondary School in Batagarawa. According to reports from Channels Television, at least 64 students developed symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort after receiving medication intended to prevent Bilharzia—a parasitic disease. The campaign was conducted by Primary Health Care authorities in partnership with the local government.

Medical personnel at the Ahmadi Rimi Specialist Hospital and the Turai Yar’Adua Maternal and Child Hospital provided emergency care to the students. Dr. Auwal Sani, the Medical Director of Ahmadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, noted that while some students were admitted in an unconscious state, they responded positively to prompt medical intervention.

Current Medical Status

As of Wednesday, Commissioner Funtua stated that only eight students remained under medical supervision. Notably, the commissioner reported that one of those remaining in care was diagnosed with malaria rather than complications directly linked to the Bilharzia medication. The remaining students are reportedly stable, with only one individual requiring continued intravenous treatment.

Investigation Into Potential Causes

The state government has established a committee to determine the specific cause of the adverse reactions. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that a gap between the students’ breakfast and the administration of the medication may have been a contributing factor. Commissioner Funtua emphasized that the first day of the exercise proceeded without incident, and the complications arose only during the second phase of the program.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, confirmed that arrangements have been made for the students to resume their academic activities. Officials have stressed that the medication was administered based on the height of each student to ensure appropriate dosage, a standard protocol for such health interventions.

Commitment to Public Health

State authorities have sought to reassure parents and the public regarding the safety of routine health programs. Commissioner Funtua stated that the government remains dedicated to the welfare of the students and intends to implement recommendations from the investigative committee to prevent future occurrences. The government maintains that Bilharzia prevention remains a vital public health strategy for the region.

As of the latest update, the government has not yet released the final report from the investigative committee, and the specific medical findings regarding the drug reactions remain subject to the ongoing inquiry.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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