Emergence of Unusual Ascitic Syndromes in Niger: Public Health Alert and Etiological Hypotheses | Chapter 10 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 5

 

Background: Ascites is a common syndrome characterised by an excess of fluid in the peritoneum. Ascites is a clinical sign and the most common complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis and indicating a worse prognosis and higher mortality. Ascites is rare in children and typically linked to hepatic, infectious, or nutritional causes. In early 2025, an unusual cluster of pediatric ascitic syndromes was reported in two health districts in central Niger, prompting an epidemiological investigation.

 

Purpose: This study investigates the emergence of ascitic syndromes among children in the health districts of Dogondoutchi and Tibiri by identifying reported and unreported cases to determine possible etiological factors and provide a public health alert for the health authorities.

 

Methods: A field investigation was conducted in the Dogondoutchi and Tibiri districts between March 12 and 16, 2025. Data were collected through record reviews, interviews with local health teams, and field visits. Community engagement activities were also implemented to assess local perceptions and identify additional cases.

 

Results: A total of 128 cases, mostly children aged 5–14 years (66.4%), were identified, with a case fatality rate of 1.56%. Dogondoutchi reported 81 cases, and Tibiri 47. Clinical features included progressive abdominal distension, ascites, hepatomegaly, and generalised oedema. Ascitic fluid was citrine yellow and sterile. No clear infectious cause was found. A zoonotic origin was considered due to the reported death of dogs in several villages.

 

Conclusion: This is believed to be the first systematic investigation of a pediatric ascitic cluster in Niger, conducted within a highly nutritionally vulnerable context. Further etiological investigations, including toxicological and virological analyses, are urgently needed. A One Health approach involving human and veterinary sectors is crucial to identify the source and prevent recurrence.

 

 

Author(s) Details

ALKASSOUM S.I
Department of Public Health, Abdou Moumouni University, FSS, Niamey, Niger.

 

ABDOULAYE Z
Department of Public Health, Abdou Moumouni University, FSS, Niamey, Niger.

 

DJIBO S
Department of Public Health, Abdou Moumouni University, FSS, Niamey, Niger.

 

AMADOU O
Dan Dicko Dan Koulodo University, Maradi, Niger.

 

GONI A
André Salifou University, Zinder, Niger.

 

EMOUD T
General Referral Hospital, Niamey, Niger.

 

ADEOSSI E
Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Abdou Moumouni University, FSS, Niamey, Niger.

 

 

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