tragedy in kogi

50 die as strange disease spreads to Kogi



A strange disease that killed over 70 people in Kwara State some days ago may have spread to neighbouring Kogi State as over 50 people have died of the sickness in Okunran, Okoloke and Isanlu-Esa communities all in the Yagba West Local Government Area of the state.

The Kogi State Government on Thursday confirmed the outbreak of the strange disease.
...
Although the commissioner said government had yet to know the exact cause of the disease, he said laboratory results had ruled out Lassa fever.
...
He noted that the information about the outbreak of the strange disease was received last week and the government immediately sent a technical team to take the sample which was sent to the General Hospital, Irua, Edo State, for definitive investigations.
...
The Traditional Ruler of the Community, Oba J.D Ogunyanda, the Obalohun of Okoloke, appreciated the commissioner for coming to see them in spite of the difficulty of getting to their communities and the neighbouring Fulani settlements.

He said that the outbreak started over three weeks ago, and they immediately alerted the local government administrator to come to their aid.
...
Experts who spoke to one of our correspondents said the outbreak in Kogi State should be investigated alongside that which occurred in Kwara State given their proximity.
...