Seven dead, eight hospitalised as ‘strange disease’ hits Enugu market

Seven persons have been confirmed dead, while eight others have been hospitalised over a yet-to-be-identified “illness” in Enugu state.

The corpses were said to have been discovered in the early hours of Friday at the new artisan market in Enugu.

Danladi Abubakar, chairman of the livestock market, in an interview with the NAN in Enugu, said residents woke up to discover the dead bodies, which he said included four men and three women.

He noted that the affected persons — which included tricycle riders, artisans and others from different households — were stooling and vomiting.

“The corpses are still in their rooms as we speak. We shall soon proceed to the cemetery to bury the Muslims among them, while the Christians will be taken by their relations,” he said.

Officials of the Enugu state ministry of health were said to have visited the market to investigate the cause of the deaths.

A health official, who pleaded anonymity, described the situation as worrisome, considering that all the deceased persons were not related.

The official said the deaths could be the result of a possible disease outbreak in the area, adding that health officials at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) had been alerted.

Other persons that were in critical condition were also said to have been immediately rushed to the hospital, and they were conveyed in a bus with the inscription, ‘Olahaboro Local Government Council’.

When contacted, George Ugwu, executive secretary, Enugu state primary healthcare development agency, said it was too early to make a conclusion on the cause of the deaths.

Ugwu, however, added that a team of health experts has been sent to the place to get more information.