Ondo mystery disease: Its pesticides not the gods -WHO

The World Health Organisation says the mystery disease that has killed over 18 people in Ode Irele, in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, may have resulted from pesticide poisoning, and not a repercussion from the gods, as was believed by some.

WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl, said in a tweet, that “current hypothesis is cause of the event is herbicides”.

He added, “tests done so far are negative for viral and bacterial infection”.

Hartl said the current theory was that the deaths were caused by weed killer, and that the tests were carried out at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

Those who died suffered from blurred vision and headaches, and then lost consciousness before dying within 24 hours. Victims started showing symptoms between April 13 and 15.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, said at a news briefing in Akure on Saturday, that WHO officials have visited Irele town to trace victims with symptoms of the unknown disease.

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