On Friday February 7, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, revealed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is diligently working to uncover the mysterious disease responsible for numerous deaths in Benue State.
Ehanire disclosed that the NCDC has activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in collaboration with the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi to determine the nature of the illness. After conducting medical tests, it was confirmed that the victims did not exhibit symptoms of Ebola, Lassa fever or coronavirus.
The Minister highlighted some of the symptoms displayed by the disease’s victims, including headache, internal heat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache, body weakness, and swollen stomach. He urged Nigerians to report any unusual cases to the NCDC immediately by calling the toll-free number 0800-970000-10.
It is worth noting that the disease, which emerged in the Oyi-Obi community of Benue State on Wednesday January 29, has claimed the lives of 15 individuals and affected over 100 people.