Strange disease: Three dead, many hospitalised in Kano

Three persons have been confirmed dead following the outbreak of a strange disease suspected to be caused by food poisoning in the Kano metropolis.

The outbreak, which occurred last Thursday, was said to have been caused by contaminated water and local drink.

The Director, Disease Control, Kano State Ministry of Health, Dr Bashir Lawan, confirmed the number of deaths in a telephone interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday.

The official, who did not state the number of victims currently on admission in the hospitals, said the Ministry officials were currently in a meeting with the commissioner on the issue.

“I’m currently with the commissioner of Health, so, call me later so that I can give you an update and details on the issue,” the director said.

However, a reliable source in the ministry told our correspondent on the condition of anonymity that no fewer than 170 affected persons are currently receiving medical attention at various health facilities in the state.

“The ministry has designated about eight facilities for the treatment of the infected persons following the rising number of cases,” the source said.

Following the outbreak of the disease, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control had since collected water samples and flavour products for laboratory analysis in its laboratory in Kaduna.