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A strange disease has killed 14 persons in Ode-Irele, headquarters of Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, Commissioner for Health Dr. Dayo Adeyanju has confirmed.
He said many others were on danger list. The symptoms include headache and loss of sight.
The commissioner said the ministry had swung into action to curb its spread.
He said: “The cause of the strange disease is still unknown but samples have been taken to Lagos to verify the cause.
“Four others affected by the disease have been quarantined in a special ward in the General Hospital, Ode-Irele.
“The disease is not related to the Ebola Virus. Residents need not be afraid as we are working to curb its spread.”
Adeyanju said the ministry was yet to verify if the disease is contagious.
The commissioner said some personnel had been drafted to the local government. Some Personal Protective Equipment were taken to the area.
Adeyanju said: “The presentation of the disease is bizarre and this was one of the reasons why the ministry is working to prevent the outbreak and I am assuring that we will get to the root within 24 or 48 hours.”
He explained that the disease usually affects the Central Nervous System, causing loss of sight and death in a few hours.
The commissioner said local and international health institutions, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Red Cross, are investigating the cause and treatment of the ailment.
He called on the people to report any case of sudden death or illness to ministry officials.
Adeyanju advised the people not to bury the remains of victims within residential areas to curb the spread, warning against sensationalising issues to avoid creating tension.
He urged the people to rely on information from official sources to avoid causing panic.
A source in the community said the deaths had spiritual undertone, noting that those afflicted by the disease went against the gods of the land.
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