Breaking: Strange Disease Kills Over 17 Persons In Benue Community

A strange disease has killed about 17 persons in Okpeilo-Otukpa, a community in Ogbadibo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

It was gathered that even though report of deaths over the disease started filtering into Makurdi, the state capital on Monday, most of the deaths were recorded over the weekend.

There were unconfirmed reports that more deaths may have been recorded in the community, as at press time on Tuesday.

He further explained that the ministry started getting reports of the deaths on Monday, adding that by the time it received reports over the deaths, seventeen persons had already lost their lives.

According to him, “At the time of the receipt of the report yesterday (Monday), 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 (BSUTH), Makurdi by a relative of the patient. Others are receiving treatment in different hospitals.

“Symptoms of the illness usually include fever, abdominal pain and general body weakness, while some stool and vomit with tinges of blood.

“The State Government is aware of the outbreak and has responded swiftly to facilitate 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.

“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 LGA.

“In the alternative, they are to call the Benue Emergency Operations Centre on the following toll free telephone numbers: 09010999920, 09010999919
Whatapp, SMS 08123135458.”

Medical personnel have been dispatched to the area to ascertain the damage and ensure they control the spread of the disease.