The Federal Government, yesterday, announced the outbreak of
lead poisioning in some villages in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State,
which has claimed 28 lives.
Minister of State for Health, Fiddles Nwankwo, who briefed
newsmen over the incident in Abuja yesterday, noted that most of those affected
were children below five years.
He further said that a technical team confirmed the outbreak
of lead poisoning in the area.
Nwankwo linked the outbreak to some new-found illegal mining
sites, which contained more leaded ores but were often brought home for
crushing and processing.
Altogether, 65 cases have so far been recorded in the
affected areas, but there were signs that it could spread to neighbouring
localities in the area and Kaduna State.
Nwankwo said, however, that the poison was not contagious if
the people were amenable to control and safer and healthier practices were
observed.
He explained that the essence of the briefing was to raise
awareness and solicit for the cooperation of the people.
“All the 28 cases were children below the age of five, made
up of 17 females and 11 males.
“Additionally, the finding revealed a serious impact on our
livestock with cows, goats and chicken most affected.
“The purpose of this press briefing is to inform the press
and fellow Nigerians of an outbreak of lead poisoning in some villages of Rafi
Local Government Area of Niger State.
“And it is currently spreading to neighbouring localities in
the state and Kaduna state.
“The affected children were found to have serum lead levels
of about between 17 to 22 times higher than the acceptable limits established
by the World Health Organization, WHO.”
Nwankwo then assured that government was working towards
containing the outbreak, even as the palliative treatment of the sick children
had started
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