The Kwara State Government has activated an Outbreak Response Mode for the healthcare sector following the confirmation of four deaths in the Eruda community, Ilorin, due to suspected food poisoning.
According to The PUNCH, this was announced by Dr. Amina El-Imam, the State Commissioner for Health, during a press conference in Ilorin, the state capital.
Dr. El-Imam reported that the fatalities occurred after the victims consumed a local dish, Amala, which is believed to have been contaminated.
The incident involved a 70-year-old woman, her son, and her grandchildren, who all fell ill after eating the same meal and subsequently passed away at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
The Commissioner explained that the food poisoning might have been caused by Lafun, a type of cassava flour used in preparing Amala.
She noted that individuals who consumed Amala without Lafun did not experience any adverse effects, suggesting that the contamination was specific to the Lafun mixture.
“On getting there, the claim was that there was a case of food poisoning where the 70-year-old woman fell ill and died after consuming Amala.
“Unfortunately, her son and grandkids also consumed the same food, fell ill and died. They were taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital where they passed away,” she said.
“Some are doing well and hopefully, following intensive medical treatment, should be able to recover fully. It was observed that the residence was in a location where personal and environmental hygiene was not really optimal,” she said.
In addition to the deaths, several other individuals affected by the same food poisoning are currently receiving treatment and showing signs of recovery. Dr. El-Imam emphasized the poor personal and environmental hygiene in the affected area as a contributing factor.
Furthermore, Dr. El-Imam reported a separate incident in Osin Gada, Ilorin West, where one person died from Gastroenteritis. Initial tests had suspected Cholera, but it was later confirmed to be Gastroenteritis. This outbreak, characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, primarily affected children. Immediate medical intervention has been administered to the affected patients, who are now recovering.
The Health Commissioner assured that efforts are being made to improve hygiene standards and provide better sources of potable water to the affected communities to prevent further outbreaks.
