Six members of a family have reportedly died after consuming suspected contaminated cassava flour in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi state.
It was gathered that eight victims were rushed to three different hospitals, where unfortunately, six of them succumbed to multiple organ failure.
The unfortunate incident occurred in a household in Anyioke, Okunchi Ward last week.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Ministry of Health has launched an investigation into the incident.
A statement issued by the Information officer of the Ministry, Dorothy Onoja, on Tuesday, August 6, said the family members consumed cassava flour that may have been contaminated.
“After consuming the contaminated cassava flour, eight victims were rushed to three different hospitals, where unfortunately, six of them succumbed to multiple organ failure. The two surviving victims received necessary treatment and have since been discharged,” the statement read.
The statement added that the State Commissioner for Health, Hon. AbdulAzzez Adams Adeiza, personally visited the survivors before they were discharged.
According to Onoja, a specialized team consisting of state and WHO officials, including the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), WHO officers, and local health officials, has been deployed to investigate the outbreak.
“Samples of the cassava flour have been collected for toxicological analysis in collaboration with the state ministry of agriculture,” the statement added.
“The Kogi state government has taken responsibility for the medical bills of the victims and will release the final report of the toxicology to the public
“The government expresses its gratitude to healthcare workers for their unwavering dedication and efforts in saving the lives of the two surviving victims.
“A thorough case investigation was conducted, which involved engaging with community leaders and neighbors, assessing environmental sanitation conditions, and evaluating the water source
“Thankfully, no additional cases of watery stooling or vomiting have been reported in the household or community.
“The Kogi State Ministry of Health equally extended its appreciation to the community for their cooperation and urged everyone to prioritize healthy living, remain vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious findings.”
