Edo Flood: Chicken pox kills Two at Refuge Camp

Two teenagers have died as a result of an outbreak of chicken pox at one of the six refuge camps set up in Edo North to accommodate victims of the flood caused by the overflowing River Niger which has left people from over 10 communities in four local governments areas of the State homeless last weekend.

The two victims reported to be below 15 years of age, died as a result of exposure to extreme cold in the camp, after being weakened by the chicken pox.

Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Cordelia Aiwize confirmed the death of the flood victims during a visit to the camps. She said the State government has swung into action to put an end to looming epidemic following the suspected outbreak of cholera, malaria and other water-borne diseases.

The Commissioner expressed her displeasure over the poor condition under which the victims are kept in the camps and the worrying state of health of the victims who now take refuge at government school buildings.

In response to what she witnessed, the Commissioner ordered for the immediate deployment of medical personnel and other health workers to the camps to prevent outbreak of cholera, malaria and other water borne diseases in the camps. She also told Chairmen of the affected local government areas to help provide and distribute foods and other essential needs for the displaced people.

Many of the displaced flooded victims, including children, youths and the elderly are vulnerable to all kinds of diseases as they were said to have been weakened by hunger and cold, with some laid down in anticipation of help and assistance to cushion the challenges of meeting their needs.

The four local government areas affected were Esan South East, Esan North East, Etsako Central and Etsako East.