An unknown illness has struck the village of Niangban, near Bouaké, in Côte d’Ivoire, resulting in nine deaths so far. Authorities mention a strong suspicion of food poisoning caused by the consumption of maize porridge contaminated with herbicides.
An enigmatic illness of unknown origin has affected the village of Niangban, located 27 km from Bouaké in central Côte d’Ivoire, leading to nine deaths, primarily among children under 15. Health authorities in the region revealed that the probable source of this outbreak was the consumption of maize porridge.
Dr. Aka Charles Koffi, the director of the Ministry of Health’s office, mentioned during a press conference a strong suspicion of collective foodborne intoxication resulting from the contamination of maize porridge with herbicides. Out of the 71 recorded cases, unfortunately, nine have resulted in deaths.
Significantly, four of the deceased children were linked to the household where the implicated maize porridge was prepared. Investigators found evidence of contamination in the maize storage room, where three containers of herbicide and maize flour for drying were discovered.
The Ministry of Health quickly responded to this concerning situation by sending a team of experts to conduct investigations and establish community surveillance. A surveillance team has also been established in the village to promptly detect cases and transfer them to the Bouaké University Hospital (CHU) when necessary.
