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By;ONYEKACHUKWU MELUWA, Warri
The Obi of Ute-Okpu. His Royal Majesty.(HRM) Obi Solomon Chukwuka 1, has expressed relief over the Delta State Government concern over the mysterious deaths which has claimed not less than 15 lives within the last two weeks in Ute Okpu and Idumesa communities in the State and at the same time assured residents of lka North East Local Government that government has said they would do everything possible to curb the disease.
The Monarch made this expression while welcoming the Health Commissioner and his team to his palace, he also thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for giving the directive for the health center in his domain to be upgrade.
HRM. Obi Chukwuka said that, “the state government’s has assured the Ute-Okpu indigines that there is hope
“The government’s intervention through the visit has brought hope to us and has given us assurance that the disease will be curbed.
“l assured you Mr Commissioner and your team of our co-operation and encouragement from my people, feel free and let me know of any challenge you may come across when interacting with residents of this community.
“l pray and wish you success as you carry out investigations in the community”.
On his part, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye. Representing the Governor of the state, Governor lfeanyi Okowa gave the assurance that there is hope, on Sunday to the Obi of Ute-Okpu, HRM Obi Solomon Chukwuka 1. when he led a team of public health officials to Ute-Okpu in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the State, with the view to unravel the mysterious disease that has claimed the lives of over 15 (fifteen) persons within 18 to 25 years old bracket in the past 2 weeks.
“He said that, “the Delta State Government has received information on seemingly mysterious deaths in Ute-Okpu and Idumesa communities of Ika North East Local Government Area of the State which prompted the Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, to direct the State Ministry of Health to immediately investigate these deaths, identify the cause/causes and effect containment measures”.
The State Epidemiologist Dr. Richard Ikwuogu, on his part said that, “our office sent some officers to the community immediately the information reached the Ministry of Health, and the active case search that commenced the previous day continues.
“Our team has visited the families of the affected persons in the community, also the case in the hospital in Umunede, we have collected their samples and interviewed them.
“Though a suspicion of viral hemorrhagic fever, or even drug intoxication, the outcome of the test on collected samples will give clear information on the disease and that will determine the next line of action”.
Among those present In the Commissioner’s entourage were the Zonal Medical Director, Agbor Zone; Zonal Hospital Administrator Agbor; State Epidemiologist; State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO); Executive Secretary, Health Ika North East LGA; Council’s DSNO and Health Educator; two representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) among others.
