Many people have been confirmed dead in some Benue communities, particularly in Oye-Obi Council, where 15 deaths were recorded and 104 others infected
Many people have been confirmed dead in some Benue communities, particularly in Oye-Obi Council, where 15 deaths were recorded and 104 others infected since the mystery disease broke out on January 29, this year.
The Minister of health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, disclosed that preliminary medical investigation reveals that the strange disease is not Lassa Fever. Ehanire explained that “for now, medical investigations have not detected the exact ailment, but there are indications suggesting that the chemical substance being used for fishing in the affected community could be responsible. But that is subject to outcome of further investigation.”
Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), said water samples from affected areas have been been sent to the federal ministry of water resources for further analysis. He said samples tested at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory came out to be negative for major viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs), which refer to a group of diseases caused by viruses such as Ebola and Marburg, Lassa fever, and yellow fever.
The NCDC DG also asked health workers to be on the alert over the disease while investigation continues.
