Benue government investigating strange diseases ravaging Otukpa Community

Benue State government on Tuesday acknowledged that Okpeilo-Otukpa community was ravaged by strange diseases, but said, the development was being investigated by the State Ministry of Health.

In a statement on Tuesday which was issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Andrew Amee on behalf the State Commissioner for Health, said about 17 persons have died as at Monday night, while one was brought to the University Teaching Hospital for urgent treatment.

The statement asserts:

“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.

“We currently have one case which was brought to Benue State University Teaching Hospital, 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 local government area, or call the Benue Emergency Operations Centre on the following toll free telephone numbers.”