Govt sets up task force to contain unknown disease as 2 more die

dimeji akinloye

April 18, 2015 9:33 AM

The new deaths put the total figure at 30 since the strange disease broke out on Monday, April 13.

Volunteers lower a corpse, which is prepared with safe burial practices.

Two more persons have reportedly died in Ode-Irele community of Ondo State, from the strange disease that befell the township early this week.

Pulse had reported on Thursday, April 16, that the strange disease, which kills its victim within 24 hours, had left 28 people dead.

The new deaths put the total figure so far at 30.

The Ondo state government has set up emergency task teams and a Situation Room in its effort to ensure the strange disease that broke out in the Ode-Irele community of the state this week is contained.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dayo Adeyanju, said in a statement on Friday, April 16 that five emergency response task teams have been raised to handle different aspects of control mechanisms.

The task teams are:

1. Contact Tracing Committee – the committee is already tracing and establishing contacts with those already exposed to patients or dead bodies and monitoring them for possible manifestation of any of the symptoms.

2. Case Management Committee – this is made up of health personnel and volunteers already trained to attend to medical emergencies of this nature. They are to ensure safe and proper management of new and existing cases of the illness. They are required to also train health workers in Irele.

3. Laboratory/Forensic Committee – to establish the etiological/causative agent for the strange illness and ensure safe disposal of corpses.

4. Community Education & Mobilization Committee – intensify mass education and sensitization of the community and the state in a way that will not constitute public health hazard.

5. Print, Electronic & Social Media Sensitization Committee – to make progress report of unfolding developments available in a timely manner to the world to dispel rumours that may lead to widespread panic and fear.

Adeyanju added, “These and other measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of lives of our dear people of Irele. Let us continue to exercise calm and caution and eschew fear mongering as there is manifest evidence that the situation is being contained.

“In case of any suspected case, contact: WHO 08033720966, LGA DSNO – 08112524793 and the State Epidemiologist – 08062078384.”

dimeji akinloye