Four Dead in Suspected Food Poisoning Incident in Kwara State
Four persons have tragically died in a suspected food poisoning incident in Eruda, a community in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The victims reportedly succumbed after consuming amala, a staple food made from cassava.
Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, disclosed the details during a news conference on Tuesday in Ilorin. According to her, a health team from the ministry visited the community following reports of a family losing multiple relatives after eating amala.
“On getting there, the claim was that there was an instance of food poisoning where the 70-year-old woman fell ill and died after consuming amala,” El-Imam stated.
“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.”
El-Imam suggested that the amala made from Lafun (cassava) could have been responsible for the deaths, noting that those who consumed amala made from yam flour were unharmed.
The commissioner also reported that several others are recovering in hospitals where they are receiving treatment.
“Some are doing well and hopefully, following intensive medical treatment, they will 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.
El-Imam stated that the case appears to be chemical food poisoning, potentially due to underprocessed cassava used in the production of Lafun. “We have another four cases recovering at the moment, in addition to the four that we unfortunately lost,” she lamented.
In related health concerns, the commissioner disclosed that an initial rapid diagnostic test was conducted on a suspected case of cholera, which turned out to be gastroenteritis. She explained that one death was recorded at Osin Gada in Ilorin West Local Government Area due to 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, treat them, and restore them to health,” she said.
El-Imam further disclosed that the deceased was the index case who demonstrated this illness before it spread to others. The disease was characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and general abdominal pain among the patients.
She pointed out that personal and environmental hygiene in the area was not optimal, adding that all efforts have been made to ensure the disease is contained for the currently treated patients.
“We are looking into providing them with more and better sources of potable water,” she added.
As investigations continue, the Kwara State Government is urging residents to prioritize personal and environmental hygiene to prevent further incidents.
