A strange illness has killed 17 people in Okpeilo-Otukpa, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, the state government has said.
Commissioner for Health and Human Service Dr Emmanuel Ikwulono in a statement on Tuesday 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 commissioner, in the statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Andrew Amee said symptoms of the illness usually include fever, abdominal pain, and general body weakness, while some stool and vomit with tinges of blood.
He said that the government was aware of the outbreak and had responded swiftly to facilitate an investigation to establish the cause of the illness.
“His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom, has approved funds to enable the State Ministry of Health and Human Services to carry out the investigation,” the statement added.
The commissioner advised the people of Ogbadibo and its environs to maintain good hygiene practices and report anyone with the said symptoms.
