Unknown Disease Kills 15 In Delta Communities

Not less than 15 persons have been killed by an unknown disease in Ute Okpu and Idumesa communities in Ika North- East Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State.

Indications revealed that the ravaging epidemic which started about two weeks ago has led to the mysterious death of over a dozen persons in the neighboring communities.

Hence, Delta State Government has expressed concern over the mysterious deaths persons in both communities while assuring residents that Government would do everything possible to curb the disease.

The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye gave the assurance when he led a team of public health officials to Ute Okpu in Ika North-East Local Government Area with the view to unravel the mysterious disease that has claimed the lives of over 15 persons within 18 to 25 years age bracket in the past 2 weeks.

According to Ononye, “Delta State Government has received information on seemingly mysterious deaths in Ute Okpu and Idumesa communities of Ika North East Local Government Area of the State which prompted the Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, to direct the State Ministry of Health to immediately investigate these deaths, identify the cause/causes and effect containment measures”.

He said that the Governor has given directive to upgrade the Comprehensive Health Center in Ute -Okpu to a full fledged Hospital.

He then called on members of the community and residents of the State to observe good hygiene as the dry season approaches by properly covering their food, cutting grasses around their surroundings.

Meanwhile, Dr. Richard Ikwuogu, the State Epidemiologist disclosed that his office sent officers to the community immediately the information reached the Ministry of Health, stating that the active case search that commenced the previous day continues.

He added that his team has visited the families of the affected persons in the community and also the case in the hospital in Umunede, collected their samples and interviewed them.

Though the outcome of the test on collected samples remains unknown, he revealed that there is a suspicion of viral hemorrhagic fever, or even drug intoxication as the reason of casualties.

During his address, HRM Obi Solomon Chukwuka I, Obi of Ute Okpu thanked the state government for giving the directive for the health center in his domain to be upgraded.

He expressed relief that governments intervention through the visit has brought hope to them and assurance that the disease will be curbed.

He assured the Commissioner and his team of the co-operation from him and his subjects as he prayed for a quick solution to the ravaging illness.