24 dead as poisoned food rages in Sokoto family

Food poisoning has killed 24 people in a single household in Danzanke village of Bargaja ward, Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

A statement by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ali Inname, on Tuesday disclosed that members of the household used fertilizer type known as “Gishirin Lalle in Hausa”, as seasoning in cooking food, instead of common salt.

“Regrettably, the entire family who had the meal lost their lives, except two female members, who merely tested the food and are currently responding to treatment, with very good chance of survival.

“Attempts to save the lives of all the affected people by providing the needed medical care, proved abortive,” Inname stated.

The Commissioner warned the general public to “learn from this incidence and always be cautious, in order to prevent such reoccurrence in their families, as now experienced in Sokoto state and Zamfara earlier in the year.

“It is very important for the public to know that this incidence though preventable and not contagious, is extremely fatal even with best of medical attention and care,” he further stated.

The Commissioner advised the general public to:

“Separate storage sites for food items from other agricultural and cosmetic items.

“Double check all ingredients and food stuff before use.
Food stores should be secured to prevent access to flies.
Cooked foods and water sources should be secured.

“Surroundings should be cleared to get rid of or reduce flies and other vectors.

“Hands should be washed regularly with soap and water.
Wells should have platforms to prevent contamination from feces of surface water after rainfall.

“Water should be boiled before use especially in rural areas.

“Report to hospital or isolation camp in your area early when you observe any unusual symptoms or unusual condition.”

He also called on the public to always heed the advice of health workers and verify all rumors before taking any action.

Inname expressed the state government’s “heartfelt condolences to the relations of the deceased in the incidence, while praying for the repose of their souls.”