Over 15 persons have reportedly died in mysterious circumstances in Ute Okpu, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that the deceased, who were said to be in the age bracket of 18 to 25, died a few days apart.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye, who led a team of public health officials to the community on Sunday, expressed concern over the mysterious deaths.

Ononye assured the communities that the government would do everything possible to get to the root of the disease, adding that there was no cause for alarm.

He said, “The Delta State Government has received information on seemingly mysterious deaths in Ute Okpu and Idumesa communities of the Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.

“The governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, directed us to immediately investigate these deaths, identify the cause(s) and effect containment measures to unravel the mysterious disease that has claimed the lives of over 15 persons within 18 to 25 years age bracket in the state.

“Based on that, the governor has given a directive to upgrade the Comprehensive Health Centre in Ute-Okpu to a full-fledged hospital.”

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The commissioner called on members of the community and residents of the state to observe good hygiene as the dry season approaches by properly covering their food, cutting grasses around their surroundings, eliminating rodents from their houses and observing COVID-19 safety guidelines, especially washing their hands with soap under running water.

In his remark, the traditional ruler of Ute-Okpu, Obi Solomon Chukwuka I, thanked the governor for giving the directive for the health centre in his domain to be upgraded.

He expressed relief that the government’s intervention had brought hope to the residents and assurance that the disease that had ravaged the community in the past five days would be curbed.

The state epidemiologist, Dr Richard Ikwuogu, stated that samples had been collected and the outcome of the test would give clear information on the disease and the next line of action.

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