‘Strange Disease’ Wipe Out 50 Persons In Enugu, As Panic Grips Residents In Kogi

Residents of Umuopu and Ette Communities in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State are in serious panic after an outbreak of a strange disease had claimed over 50 lives in the area.

BIGPEN understands the cause of the deaths recorded between September, October and now, are yet to be ascertained in the two Communities which are at the border between Enugu and Kogi States.

The development is causing fear and panic among residents in neighbouring Kogi state, a source said.

An officials of the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer in the Local Government Area, Vincent Oshomi, told newsmen on Thursday that the disease broke out at Ette at the beginning of September 2020, and spread to the border community of Umuopu, where 20 persons had died.

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He further explained that the victims presented symptoms such as convulsion, diarrhoea before vomiting blood, adding that they are suspecting Lassa fever or cholera.

“Between September and now, at least 37 persons have died at Ette community. Also, Umuopu community, which shares a common border with Ette have recorded 20 deaths, four of which happened yesterday. It has been a strange development.

“I have officially informed the state’s Ministry of Health and investigations are currently ongoing to unravel the cause of the deaths. We have collected samples of affected persons and we are looking out for Lassa fever, cholera, yellow fever and meningitis. Coronavirus test will equally start in the affected communities today.

“The state’s Ministry of Health has brought an ambulance we are using to convey the sick ones to Enugu for proper diagnosis and treatment.”