3 die, 284 infected, as strange disease caused by juice hits Kano

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Three people have been confirmed dead after contracting a strange disease which broke out five days ago in Kano state.
It was alleged that the illness broke out when the affected people drank a local juice made from an expired juice mix called Jolly Juice.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminu Ibrahim tsanyawa, while briefing newsmen yesterday said statistics gathered had also revealed that 284 people contracted the strange illness, across three Local Government areas of the state.
He said “five days into the outbreak, it has spread to 13 Local Governments. Involving 25 health facilities both public and private. 90% affected are males. 284 affected individuals were 101 have been discharged.”
He said in an effort to promptly address the challenge the ministry for health taskforce had so far seized items that caused the outbreak of the disease worth over 59 million naira.
Dr Tsanyawa noted that samples of the affected patients had been taken and sent to Abuja for diagnosis.
“Taking cognizance on the health effect of the expired instant drink, the state Ministry had instituted the execution of proactive measures against the use of the aforementioned through sensitization and public awareness.”
The affected victims are currently recieving treatment at Murtala Mohammad specialist Hospital Kano, Aminu Kano teaching Hospital, Abdullahi wase specialist hospital among others.

The state government had also confirmed the arrest of four persons linked with selling the suspected ‘killer juice’.
The Kano State Consumer Protection Council, KCPCsaid the agency has arrested four people over the sale of the juice that led to the death of three people and hospitalisation of 284 others.
Speaking on BBC Hausa Service on Tuesday morning, Acting Managing Director of the KCPC, Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi said the suspects were arrested in Minjibir Local Government area of the state.
He added that about 580 bags of the expired juice flavours were found in their possession.
He however disclosed that the man believed to be the leader among the suspects is notorious for selling expired products.
According to him, the suspects were arrested following investigations, especially in the areas where the juice was being sold, including Bakin Asibiti, Rimi Market, Singer and Sabon Gari.