The Kwara State Government has activated an Outbreak Response Mode in the healthcare sector following the tragic deaths of four individuals in the Eruda community of Ilorin West Local Government Area, attributed to food poisoning.
Dr. Amina El-Imam, the State Commissioner for Health, revealed that the deaths occurred after the victims consumed Amala, suspected to be contaminated with poison.
During a press conference in Ilorin on Tuesday, El-Imam also reported a separate incident involving one death due to Gastroenteritis.
According to El-Imam, the health ministry’s team visited the affected community after learning about a family that lost several members after consuming Lafun-Amala, made from cassava flour.
“Upon arrival, it was reported that a 70-year-old woman fell ill and died after eating Amala. Tragically, her son and grandchildren, who also ate the same food, became ill and subsequently passed away at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital,” she stated.
El-Imam suggested that the Amala made from Lafun could have been the cause of the fatalities. She noted that those who consumed pure yam flour without Lafun were unaffected, while those who ate the Lafun-Amala mixture fell ill, with some succumbing to their illness.
She also mentioned that several others are currently recovering in hospitals, receiving intensive medical treatment. “Some patients are showing good progress and are expected to fully recover. However, the area’s personal and environmental hygiene needs significant improvement,” she observed.
El-Imam indicated that the incident appears to be a case of chemical food poisoning, likely caused by under-processed cassava used in the Lafun.
“We currently have four more cases recovering, in addition to the four unfortunate losses,” she added.
Additionally, the commissioner reported that an Initial Rapid Diagnostic Test conducted on a suspected Cholera case confirmed it as Gastroenteritis. One death occurred in Osin Gada, Ilorin West Local Government Area, due to this condition.
“The community reported instances of vomiting and diarrhea, mainly among children, which unfortunately resulted in one fatality,” she explained.
The outbreak prompted immediate intervention, with all affected patients receiving prompt and appropriate medical care. The symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, have been addressed.
El-Imam emphasized the need for improved personal and environmental hygiene in the affected area and assured that steps are being taken to provide better sources of potable water to prevent further outbreaks.
