Accra: Chief Mahamud Mumuni Tina, Head of the Fulani Community in the Sissala East Municipality, has expressed concern over a series of unexplained deaths among members of the Fulbe community in the region. The mysterious fatalities, characterized by the unusual symptom of blood clots emerging from the nose and anus, have claimed approximately 21 lives in just three weeks.
According to Ghana News Agency, Chief Tina revealed that the deaths have occurred at Tumu Government Hospital and other medical facilities, raising alarms among the community. Initially, the deaths were suspected to be linked to contaminated water sources used by Fulbe herders. However, this theory was challenged when local women and girls, uninvolved in herding activities, also succumbed to similar symptoms.
Chief Tina emphasized that the affected individuals were not recent migrants, dismissing the idea that the disease was imported. He urged health authorities to urgently investigate the deaths and identify their cause, highlighting the distress and fear spreading through the community.
Mr. Clifford Vengkungmwini, Sissala East Municipal Director of Health Services, confirmed to GNA that the Nabugubelle Health Centre reported four deaths and two suspected cases matching the symptoms described. The Upper West Regional Health Directorate has been informed, and blood samples have been dispatched to Accra for testing.
Preliminary investigations have considered potential causes such as food or chemical poisoning, snake bites, and viral haemorrhagic fever. A rapid response team is set to be deployed following the receipt of laboratory results to address the situation.