NIGERIA – The Kogi State Government has initiated a thorough investigation into a tragic incident involving the death of six individuals who consumed potentially contaminated cassava flour.
The deaths occurred recently in a household in Anyoke, Okunchi Ward, Adavi Local Government Area.
According to reports, eight people were admitted to three different hospitals after consuming the suspected tainted flour. Tragically, six of these individuals succumbed to multiple organ failure, while the remaining two have since been discharged.
Although cassava is an important food crop, it is affected by the natural toxins that emanate from chemicals produced by the plant itself called cyanide.
According to research, the number of cyanide chemicals in cassava varies depending on the type of cassava and its taste. For example, cassava with a small amount of cyanide has a sweet taste, while that with more cyanide has a bitter taste.
Some of the factors contributing to the increase in the number of natural toxins in cassava are the type of cassava cultivated, the weather conditions of the area where the level of cyanide in cassava increases more during the dry season, and also the type of soil in which cassava is cultivated.
State Commissioner for Health AbdulAzzez Adeiza has confirmed that a specialized team, including officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities, has been assembled to probe the outbreak.
The team includes the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer and local health officials, who are collaborating with the state Ministry of Agriculture to conduct a toxicological analysis of the cassava flour.
“The Kogi State Government is fully committed to uncovering the cause of this unfortunate incident,” said Adeiza. “We have collected samples of the cassava flour for analysis and are covering the victims’ medical expenses. We will ensure the final toxicology report is made public once available.”
Adeiza also expressed appreciation for the healthcare workers’ efforts in saving the lives of the two survivors.
He outlined that the investigation would involve a comprehensive approach, including consultations with community leaders, evaluation of environmental sanitation, and assessment of local water sources.
“We are relieved to report that no additional cases of watery stooling or vomiting have been reported within the household or the community,” Adeiza added.
The Kogi State Ministry of Health has extended its gratitude to the community for its cooperation during this challenging time. The Ministry has urged residents to maintain healthy living practices, remain vigilant, and report any unusual symptoms promptly.
This incident underscores the critical need for stringent safety measures and regular quality checks in the processing of food products, particularly in rural areas where such contamination risks can have severe consequences.
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