National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Alimi Micheal, KWARA |
The Kogi State Government has launched an investigation into the deaths of six people who reportedly consumed contaminated cassava flour.
The tragic incident occurred last Wednesday in a household in Anyoke, Okunchi Ward, Adavi Local Government Area.
Eight individuals were initially hospitalized after the meal, with six succumbing to multiple organ failure.
The two survivors have since been discharged.
State Commissioner for Health, AbdulAzzez Adeiza, visited the survivors and announced that a specialized team, including officials from the state, the World Health Organization, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, and local health officials, has been assembled to investigate the outbreak.
“Samples of the cassava flour have been collected for toxicological analysis in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture,” Adeiza stated.
“The Kogi State Government has covered the victims’ medical expenses and will release the final toxicology report to the public.”
He expressed gratitude to healthcare workers for their dedication in saving the two survivors and emphasized that a thorough investigation will be conducted.
This will involve engaging with community leaders and neighbors, assessing environmental sanitation conditions, and evaluating the water source. Fortunately, no additional cases of watery stooling or vomiting have been reported in the community.
The Kogi State Ministry of Health also thanked the community for its cooperation and urged residents to prioritize healthy living, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious findings promptly.
