By Monday Osayande
Middle-aged woman, Mrs. Monica Emeke has lost two of her children in one day to the strange ailment ravaging Ute Okpu and Idumusa communities in Ika North East local government area of Delta State, bringing the death toll to over 30.
Few days ago, the state government had raised the alarm of the death of 15 youths within the age bracket of 18 to 25 years old in the two communities, licking the disease to hemorrhagic fever, or substance abuse.
Mrs. Emeke lost a boy and girl of 26 and 22 years on Monday respectively to vomiting of blood before they passed on while others complained of fatigue, headache and feverish condition before their death either at home, or at the hospital.
According to Mrs Monica Emeke who expressed worry over the death rate, five persons died in one day in Ute Okpu community while several deaths have been recorded in neighbouring villages including Ute Erunu.
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Following the outbreak of the disease, the government and World Health Organization had waded in to ascertain the cause, and possible remedy to stop the spread, as assurance was given to residents that everything possible was being done to curb the disease.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, gave the assurance when he led a team of public health officials to Ute Okpu with a view to unravel the mysterious disease.
Speaking at the palace of the traditional ruler of the community, Dr Ononye said, “Delta State Government has received information on seemingly mysterious deaths in Ute Okpu and Idumesa communities of Ika North East Local Government Area of the State which prompted the Governor, Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa, to direct the State Ministry of Health to immediately investigate these deaths, identify the cause/causes and effect containment measures.”
