THE Kwara State Government has activated its Outbreak Response Mode for healthcare following the confirmation of four fatalities in the Eruda community due to food poisoning from Amala, along with one death attributed to Gastroenteritis.
The Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, shared this information during a news conference yesterday in Ilorin.
She explained that the entire health team from the Ministry visited the community after reports emerged of a family losing several relatives after consuming Lafun-Amala.
“Upon arrival, we learned that a 70-year-old woman had fallen ill and died after eating Amala. Tragically, her son and grandchildren also consumed the same food, fell ill, and subsequently passed away. They were taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, where they died,” she stated.
El-Imam noted that the Lafun (processed cassava flour) used in the Amala might be linked to the deaths.
She further clarified that individuals who ate yam flour without Lafun remained healthy, while those who consumed the mixture of Lafun and Amala became ill, with some eventually dying.
The commissioner reported that several other patients are recovering well in the hospitals where they are being treated.
“Some patients are doing well and, with intensive medical care, are expected to recover fully. It was noted that the community is in an area where personal and environmental hygiene is not optimal,” she said.
El-Imam described the situation as a case of chemical food poisoning, likely due to under-processed cassava used in making Lafun.
“We currently have four more cases recovering, in addition to the four unfortunate fatalities,” she lamented.
Additionally, the commissioner mentioned that an Initial Rapid Diagnostic Test was conducted on a suspected Cholera case, which was identified as Gastroenteritis.
She reported one death in Osin Gada, in the Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara, due to Gastroenteritis.
“The community experienced several cases of vomiting and diarrhea, primarily among children, resulting in one tragic loss of life.
“The symptoms prompted the state’s disease reporting system to take action. Upon arrival, treatment was initiated immediately, and all affected patients received prompt standard care to alleviate their symptoms and restore their health,” she explained.
El-Imam noted that the deceased was the index case who exhibited symptoms before the illness spread to others.
She described the disease as characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and general abdominal pain among the patients.
She emphasized that the personal and environmental hygiene in the area was lacking, and assured that all efforts are being made to contain the disease among the currently treated patients.
“We are also working on providing them with improved access to potable water,” she added.