Kogi state Commissioner for Health, Dr Saka Audu says an unknown illness has struck residents of the state leaving at least 62 people dead.

 

The strange illness which was initially thought to be Lassa fever by many people because it has some symptoms that are similar to Lassa fever such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting but apparently its something different.

 

According to reports, the worst hit community is Okoloke in Yagba West Local Government Area of the state. Other areas are Okunran and Isanlu-Esa – both villages in Yagba West LGA.  With over 60 people dead and Lassa fever ruled out as a cause, the government has taken samples of the disease and is hoping to identify the illness as quickly as possible to prevent more deaths, says the commissioner.