ADELEKE ADESANYA
BENUE State Government confirmed, on Tuesday, that 17 persons had died of a strange illness in the state.
The strange illness, which has symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, general weakness of the body weakness, including blood-tinged stool, is said to be prevalent in Okpeilo-Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Service in the state, Dr Emmanuel Ikwulono, said, “At the time of the receipt of the report yesterday, 9th November, 2020, about 17 persons were already said to have died of the illness.
“We currently have one case which was brought to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, by a relative of the patient. Others are receiving treatment in different hospitals.”
The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Andrew Amee, said the state government was aware of the outbreak and had responded swiftly to facilitate an investigation to establish the cause of the illness.
It said, “His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom, has approved funds to enable the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to carry out the investigation.
“In the meantime, we advise the people of Ogbadibo and its environs to maintain good hygiene practices and report anyone with the said symptoms to the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in the local government area, or call the Benue Emergency Operations Centre.”
