Epeilo: Benue lawmaker confirms 11 persons dead in outbreak of strange disease in Otukpa

Hon James Obonyilo, Councillor Representing Ai-Oodo Ward 2 has confirmed the outbreak of strange disease in Epeilo community in Otukpa, Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State.

IDOMA VOICE reports that several persons have lost their lives in the outbreak of the strange illness the area.

Briefing the local government council on his findings about the reported cases of death in Epeilo, it was established that those who have died so far displayed the same symptom which is suspected to be liver-related.

It was gathered that between October and now, 11 persons are said to have died while about 6 others are currently on admission at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi.

“For now, there’s no evidence of food poisoning or water contamination in the community as those who have died are not from the same families who eat and drink together though all possible options are being looked into as investigations continues,” a staff of the local government council said.

The State Government in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Health and Human Service, Dr Emmanuel Ikwulono, said, “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.”