41 children affected as unidentified infection hits FCT

Gbenga Bada 17:06 - 07 August 2016

Water most often comes from open holes dug in the sand of dry riverbeds, and it is invariably contaminated.

Furthermore, provisional diagnosis reportedly revealed that the infection is gastroenteritis or food poisoning, caused by contaminated food or water.

At least, 41 children are reportedly disease that has thrown a new challenge the World Health Organization, FCT public health department and the FCT Primary Health Care Development Board.

According to a report by Daily Trust, several children in Abuja have been affected by the unknown disease.

It was further reported that the epidemic has seen the Health authorities in Abuja declaring a public health emergency in the settlement of Angwan Hausawa, a slum neighbourhood of Abuja Municipal Area Council.

ALSO READ: Florida identifies 2 more Zika cases not related to travel

The report further revealed that nine children had died of the yet undiagnosed disease while at least 32 others in the community of Damagaza are hospitalised.

According to the executive secretary of FCT Primary Health Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, all the affected children had fever and diarrhoea; their abdomen were distended; and their stool was mucous and greenish.

Mohammed also said the disease could be a result of water contamination as the area is said to be dirty with residents of the community depending on stream and wells for water.