Godwin Akor, Makurdi
The Benue State Ministry of Health says it has received a report on an unknown illness in a community called Epeilo-Otukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
In a statement signed by the permanent secretary, Mr. Andrew Amee, the ministry said at the time of the receipt of the report on Monday, about 17 persons were said to have died from the disease.
“We currently have one case which was brought to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, by a relation of a patient while other patients are said to be receiving treatment in different hospitals”, the statement added.
Symptoms of the illness, according to the ministry, included fever, abdominal pain and general body weakness with some stool and vomit with tinges of blood.
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It was further stated that the state government has responded swiftly to facilitate investigation to establish the cause of the illness, stressing that Governor Samuel Ortom had approved funds to facilitate the investigation.
In the meantime, the people of Ogbadibo and neighbouring communities have been advised 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 the following toll free telephone numbers: 09010999920, 09010999919 or WhatsApp or SMS with the number 08123135458.