Seventeen persons have so far died following an outbreak of a strange disease in a community called Okpeilo-Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue state.
A statement issued Tuesday, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Sir Andrew Amee for the Commissioner, revealed that one case was brought to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi by a relative of the patient, while others are receiving treatment in different hospitals.
According to him, symptoms of the illness were observed to include fever, abdominal pain and general body weakness, while some stool and vomit with tinges of blood.
He 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 on, 09010999920, 09010999919
Whatapp, SMS 08123135458.
“We have received a report of an unknown illness in a community called Okpeilo-Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
“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.
“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,” the statement reads in part.
