From Ameachi Prosper (The New Diplomat’s Delta Correspondent)
The death toll from the mysterious disease ravaging Ute Okpu and Idumusa communities in Ika North East LGA of Delta State have risen to over 30.
The state government which last weekend raised an alarm over the death of 15 youths within the age bracket of 18 to 25 years old in the two communities had suspected hemorrhagic fever, or substance abuse as likely cause of the death.
Investigation however, revealed that some of the victims vomited blood before giving up the ghost while others complained of general fatigue, headache and feverish condition before passing out.
A mother, Mrs Monica Emeke who lost two of his children ,(a boy 26 and girl 22) to the unidentified ailment at Ute Okpu expressed worry over the rate at which death was occurring as five persons died in one day in the community.
Other persons who spoke to journalists said several deaths have been recorded in neighbouring villages including Ute Erunu.
The state government has however assured residents in the area that everything possible was being done to curb the mysterious disease.
