Three dead, 284 hospitalised as strange disease hits Kano

Three persons have been confirmed dead following the outbreak of a strange disease suspected to be caused by food poisoning in Kano.

Kano State Ministry of Health confirmed the death of three and hospitalization of more than 284 affected individuals after intake of an expired flavoured powder juice in the state metropolis.

While giving an update, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, confirmed that no fewer than 284 were hospitalised following the outbreak of the strange disease, which broke out five days ago in the Kano metropolis.

According to the commissioner, the expired flavoured juice powder has affected residents in 13 local government areas in 10 days after the index case, a 6-year-old girl died of the foodborne disease.

The Kano health commissioner noted that 183 persons are currently receiving medical care at various health facilities in the state.

Aminu Tsanyawa said the state government had since instituted the execution of proactive measures against the menace through surveillance, sensitization and public enlightenment.

The official said the health ministry officials are currently in a meeting with the commissioner on the issue.

“I’m currently with the commissioner of Health, so, call me later so that I can give you an update and details on the issue,” the director said.

However, a reliable source in the ministry told our correspondent on the condition of anonymity that no fewer than 200 affected persons are currently receiving medical attention at various health facilities in the state.

“The ministry has designated about eight facilities for the treatment of the infected persons following the rising number of cases,” the source said.

He said based on statistics gathered, the affected people contracted the strange disease across three local government areas of the state.

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He said in an effort to promptly address the challenge, the Ministry for Health taskforce had so far seized items that caused the outbreak of the disease worth over N59 million.

He, however, disclosed that samples of the affected patients had been taken and sent to Abuja for analysis.

According to him, the affected victims are currently receiving medical attention at three health facilities, including Murtala Mohammad Specialist Hospital Kano, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, and Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital among others.

Following the outbreak of the disease, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control had since collected water samples and flavour products for laboratory analysis in its laboratory in Kaduna.