Community-Based Survey On Reported Increased Mortality In Kano State

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Abstract Objectives: The main objectives of the study were to use data to corroborate the reported mysterious deaths being recorded in Kano state of Nigeria and find possible explanations to the causes. Study design: This was a cross-sectional study. Methods: With total lockdown in force at the time of conducting the survey, it was not possible to get data through one-on-one interview. Instead, an online survey form was developed and shared widely among residents in the state. The form captured quantitative data about symptoms and circumstances for the deceased and the respondents were only the state residents that witnessed the death cases in their respective communities. Results: A total of 260 responses from various local government areas (LGAs) were received within a period of four days beginning from April 21, 2020. About half of the respondents affirmed that the death toll in their communities within the last two weeks before the survey were in multiples and most of the deaths started to occur from April 13 2020. Moreover, since then, the rate of deaths reported did not decline during the period of the research. Conclusion: There was a sudden increase in the number of deaths due to acute illness suggestive of a disease. Highest number of deaths was recorded among senior adults, affecting males than females. The most affected area was Kano Municipal which was one of the populous LGA in the state. Although it was hard to point out the possible cause of death based on the data, however, the possibility of linking the situation to the current COVID-19 pandemic could not be ruled out. This was because the data strongly aligned with the pandemic in terms of symptoms, incubation period, age group affected and other demographic characteristics.

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