A tragic incident of suspected food poisoning has struck Anyoke in Okunchi Ward of Adavi Local Government Area, Kogi State, resulting in the death of six individuals, while another similar incident in Eruda community, Olorun West Local Government Area, Kwara State, has claimed the lives of four more.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that in Kogi State, the State Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Division was alerted by the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) following the deaths.
It was gathered that initial investigations indicate that the fatalities followed the consumption of cassava flour from a suspected contaminated source.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulaziz Adams while speaking on the incident said eight victims were rushed to three different hospitals, where six succumbed to multiple organ failure.
He added that fortunately, two individuals responded to treatment and were discharged.
A response team, including State and World Health Organization (WHO) officials, as well as local health officers, was quickly dispatched to the scene to investigate.
Adams, visited the surviving victims before their discharge.
Sources revealed that a sample of the cassava flour has been sent for toxicological analysis in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture.
He said the Kogi State Government has covered the medical expenses for the victims and has promised to release the final toxicology report to the public.
Dr. Adams commended healthcare workers for their prompt response, which he said saved the lives of the two survivors.
He said “a comprehensive investigation was carried out, including consultations with community leaders, environmental sanitation assessments, and water source evaluations.
“ No additional cases or deaths have been reported.”
Dr. Adams urged communities to practise healthy living habits, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities.
He thanked the affected community for their cooperation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to public health and safety.
In Kwara State, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, confirmed the death of four persons in Eruda community after eating Amala, a popular local delicacy.
At a news conference on Tuesday in Ilorin, Dr. El-Imam disclosed that another person also died of gastroenteritis.
He said the state government has placed healthcare in the state on Outbreak Response Mode.
Dr. El-Imam reported that the entire health team of the ministry had visited the community after reports of a family that lost some members after consuming yam flour.
He said a 70-year-old woman, her son, and her grandchildren fell ill and died after consuming the contaminated amala.
According to him,they were taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital where they passed away.
The commissioner stated that the amala with ‘Lafun’ could have been responsible for the deaths.
“Those who consumed yam flour without lafun were fine, but those who consumed the mixture fell ill and some of them eventually died.
“Survivors are receiving treatment in the hospitals where they were admitted and are expected to recover fully following intensive medical care.”
Dr. El-Imam attributed the incident to food poisoning, caused by under-processed cassava used in the meal production.
An initial rapid diagnostic test on the suspected case of cholera turned out to be gastroenteritis.
Additionally, one death was recorded at Osin Gada in Ilorin West Local Government Area from gastroenteritis.
The commissioner noted that the affected community had a few cases of stooling and vomiting, particularly among children, which prompted immediate treatment to stop the symptoms and restore health.
The Kwara State Government has pledged to provide the community with potable water to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.
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