Three reasons for mass deaths in Kano – Expert

Nasiru Yusuf

The director center for infectious diseases, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Isa Abubakar has identified three reasons for the high number of deaths recorded this week in Kano.

Kano Focus reports that since the COVID-19 Lockdown imposed in the state the high number of deaths recorded in Kano metropolis has become a source of worry for residents.

Even though there is not an authoritative source that keeps track of deaths in Kano, investigation by Kano Focus confirms that more than 300 mostly elderly persons have died in the metropolis within four days of the lockdown.

Mr Abubakar, a professor of public health and community medicine told Kano Focus that the increasing rate of deaths could be attributed to one of three issues.

“First, they could be COVID-19 patients who were not tested, though this is insignificant. Because even in the countries with COVID-19 the percentage of deaths among infected persons is low. “Second, there are some people who need treatment for different health challenges, besides COVID-19. But the attentions of major hospitals have been shifted to COVID-19 and some patients may not even have access to the hospitals due to the traffic restrictions.

“Thirdly, people are now idle at home and therefore are free to take note of the number of deaths around them. That is why people assume there is an increasing death rate while probably there is none at all.” He said

Ministry of Health reacts

Meanwhile the Kano state ministry of health said it has commenced investigation into the matter.

A statement issued on Monday by Hadiza Namadi, the spokesperson of the ministry said the state commissioner of health Aminu Tsanyawa assured that investigation into the matter is ongoing to verify the claim and possible causes of the deaths.

He also assured that the public will be informed on the outcome of the investigation in due course.

While praying for the repose of the departed souls, the commissioner advised people to continue to observe social distancing, wash hands regularly, avoid gatherings and stay at home to prevent the spread of Covid-19.