Cause of Mysterious Deaths in Kano Still Unknown - Health Minister

The minister of health, Osagie Ehanire, has said the cause of the mysterious deaths in Kano state as well other northern states is yet unknown. 

AllNews reported how hundreds have died in Kano, Kastina and Jigawa in recent weeks. 

Although experts have speculated that the deaths might have resulted from the rising cases of Coronavirus infection recorded in the states, there is no official evidence to support it. 

As of the time of filing this report, Nigeria has recorded 4972 cases of the disease across 34 states and in the FCT. 

Mr Ehanire, while responding to questions from journalists on Thursday, has said that the ministry has made efforts to investigate the death causes. 

He spoke at the daily national briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 monitored by AllNews. 

He noted that the services of pathologists and other health professionals have been employed. 

The Minister added that, a training to develop a protocol on how to approach the investigation into these unexplained deaths, will be conducted in the states. 

The process include collection of samples, asking questions and looking into the accounts of eyewitnesses. 

"So it's a very meticulous procedure and the health ministry its best. There are no conclusions yet,"

Speaking on the Chinese experts who arrived Nigeria in April, Mr Ehanire said he would be happy if journalists stop asking the ministry about their welfare and duties. 

"I will be happy If you don't ask me about where they are because they are not really our visitors."

He explained that they were invited by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCEC) and that the company is responsible for their welfare. 

However, Mr Ehanire stated that the ministry has been able to learn some things from them by interacting with them from the experience in their country.

"They did tell us and shared ideas about what they did in their country."