4 die after consuming food poison in Kwara

….as 1 died of stomach flu

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

No fewer than four residents have been declared dead in Eruda community of Kwara state after consuming food poison emanating from cassava flour.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, during a news conference in Ilorin on Tuesday.

El-Imam explained that the Ministry went to the community after receiving report of a family who lost relatives, after consumption of cassava flour (Amala Lafun).

“On getting there, it was discovered a 70 year old woman fell ill and died after consuming poisonous cassava flour.

“Unfortunately, her son and grandchildren who 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.

El-Imam stated that the cassava flour they consumed could have been responsible for the death.

She explained further that the people who consumed yam flour were not affected, adding that those who consumed the mixture fell ill and died.

The Commissioner said that others who were rushed to the hospital were responding to treatment.

“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 hygienes were not observed, ” She said.

El-Imam stated that it was a case of chemical food poisoning emanated from under-processed cassava used in the production of the flour.

“We have another four cases recovering at the moment, in addition, of course, to the four that we unfortunately lost,” she lamented.

Also, the commissioner disclosed that an Initial Rapid Diagnostic Test was conducted on the suspected case of Cholera, which turned out to be Gastroenteritis (Stomach flu).

She explained that one death was recorded at Osin Gada, in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara as a result of Gastroenteritis.

“The community had a few cases of stooling and vomiting, predominantly among children, of which, unfortunately, one life was lost.

“The vomiting and stooling drew the attention of the state’s disease reporting structure.

“On getting there, treatment was immediately commenced and all the affected patients have received immediate standard treatments to stop the symptoms”, she said.

El-Imam disclosed that the deceased was the index case who demonstrated the illness before it spreads to others.

According to her, the diseases was characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and general abdominal pain among the patients.

She pointed out that personal and environmental hygienes were not observed by the residents, adding that all efforts had been made to ensure the disease was contained. t

“We are looking into providing them with more and better sources of potable water,” she said.