NAN Archive

Loading

NAN Archive

Tag disease

  • Mar, Mon, 2020
Agriculture

Foot and mouth disease kills 20 cows in Jigawa– MACBAN

 

Disease

By Nabilu Balarabe

Guri (Jigawa), March 2,2020 (NAN) The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Jigawa Chapter, says foot and mouth disease has killed  more than 20 cows  in Yola village in Guri Local Governmen Area of the state.

Alhaji Ahmadu Tulu, Chairman of the association in the local government, made the disclosure  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Guri.

He said more than 1,000 cows were infected with the disease after its outbreak in January.

“Since the outbreak of this disease two months ago, over 20 cows have died and over 1,000 are infected,” Tulu said.

The chairman listed the symptoms of the disease to include fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, lameness, drop in milk production and blisters in the mouth and on feet.

He noted that the epidemic had brought untold hardship to herdsmen who depended on cattle breeding as their means of livelihood.

Also, Alhaji Kabiru Garki, the Head of Agriculture Department in the local government, confirmed the outbreak of the the disease.

He said the council had already acquired vaccines and other essential drugs to treat  more than  1,500 cows that might be affected by the disease.

“As we speak, our team of veterinary doctors is already in Yola to treat all the affected cows.

“We are targeting over 1,500 cattle for the treatment which will also cover cows in Bella, Dukamaza and Almazuzu villages where the epidemic was reported.

“We have sufficient drugs in stock in case the number of affected cattle increases,” he assured.(NAN)

NB/OSA/IU

=========

Edited by Shittu Obassa and Isaac Ukpoju

 

Health

Asthma Day: Expert warns against triggers

By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Asthma
Abuja, May 7, 2019 (NAN) Dr Victor Fayomi, a general medical practitioner with a private hospital in Gwagwalada, has warned against triggers that could led to complications of asthma.

Fayomi gave the warning in Abuja on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while speaking on asthma to commemorate the World Asthma Day.

He said Asthma was a long-term inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract that causes cough, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath and not been able to complete a sentence in one breath.

The theme for World Asthma Day 2019 is “STOP for Asthma”.

Fayomi said ‘STOP’ the asthma is an attempt for experts to manage asthma better, saying that it is an acronym for Symptom evaluation, Test response, Observe and assess, and Proceed to adjust treatment.

“Asthma has no cure; it can be well managed by putting triggering factors under control.

“These triggers include but not limited to smoke, exposure to extreme cold air, pet danger and fur, dust mite and extremes of emotion,” he said.

According to Fayomi, Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that transport air to and from the lungs.

He said although there was no full cure available for the condition,but management methods can help a person with asthma lead a full and active life.

“In a person with asthma, the inside walls of the airways, known as bronchial tubes, become swollen or inflamed,” Fayomi said.

NAN reports that World Asthma Day is celebrated world over on May 7. The event is annually organised on an international level by the GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) to create a better understanding of the respiratory disease. (NAN)
OEO/MAM/MST
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Pyelonephritis: Life threatening disease, says Doctor

Pyelonephritis: Life threatening disease, says Doctor
By Ummul Idris
Pyelonephritis
Abuja, Jan. 16, 2019 (NAN) Dr Simon Abraham, a medical practitioner, has described pyelonephritis as a life threatening disease that could permanently damage the kidney.
Abraham told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that the disease was a severe kidney infection which could cause the kidney to swell, resulting to permanent damage of the organ.
He said that an acute pyelonephritis was a sudden and severe kidney infection, which caused the kidneys to swell and may permanently damage them.
According to him, women are more prone to kidney infections and puts at a higher risk of acute pyelonephritis.
Other people who are at increased risk include anyone with chronic kidney stones or other kidney or bladder conditions.
According to him, when repeated or persistent attacks occur, the condition is called chronic pyelonephritis.
However, he noted that the chronic form was rare, but it happens more often in children or people with urinary obstruction
He said that the symptoms often appeared within two days of infection which include high fever, pain in the abdomen, cloudy urine, smelling urine, fatigue, moist skin and mental confusion
He also explained that symptoms could be different in children and older adults than they were in other people.
According to him, mental confusion is common in older adults and is often their only symptom.
Abraham stated that people with chronic pyelonephritis could experience only mild symptoms or lack noticeable symptoms altogether.
According to him, bacteria enter the body through the urethra and begin to multiply and spread up to the bladder and from there, the bacteria travel through the ureters to the kidneys.
The medical practitioner however stated that serious infection in the bloodstream could also spread to the kidneys and cause acute pyelonephritis.
“Any problem that interrupts the normal flow of urine causes a greater risk of acute pyelonephritis,” he said.
He noted that a urinary tract that was an unusual size or shape would likely lead to acute pyelonephritis.
He disclosed that women’s urethras were much shorter than men’s, hence it was easier for bacteria to enter their bodies. (NAN)
UMD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Medical expert advocates standard precautions against disease outbreak

Medical expert advocates standard precautions against disease outbreak

By Usman Aliyu
Diseases
Ilorin, Dec. 13, 2018 (NAN) Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, Director of Public Health, Kwara Ministry of Health, has identified Lassa and Yellow fevers as form of the Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (VHF) presently ravaging the country.

Fakayode made the remark while delivering a paper on Thursday in Ilorin at the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Kwara chapter of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN).

The theme of the paper is: “Common Viral Haemorrhagic Disease: Approach to Management and Prevention”.

According to him, over 300,000 cases of Lassa fever are recorded in the country yearly resulting in 500 deaths.

The director explained that outbreak of diseases was mostly caused by lack of personal hygiene among patients and even health workers.

“Dead bodies management is also important because they can also constitute a problem. There is a need for burial management committee to ensure that infected bodies are properly managed and supervised by medical practitioners.

“Even in death, body is still highly risky in term of infection,” he warned.

The medical practitioner warned against public transportation of any suspected VHF patient, noting that such action is risky and could aid the viral infectious diseases.

Fakayode, however, claimed that the standard precautions against a disease outbreak in the country is for health workers to see blood and body fluid of patients as potential source of infection.

In his presentation on “Management of Head and Neck Cancer in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects”, Dr Biodun Sulaiman stated that head and neck cancer rate in the country was rising gradually from what it was used to be in the past.

He said that about 500,000 cases of the cancer were being recorded worldwide yearly from the previous cases of 100,000.

He, however, identified insufficient manpower, lack of modern equipment and political will as challenges facing management of the disease in Nigeria.

Sulaiman, who is a consultant Otorhinolaryngologist and Director, Research and Training, University of Ilorin, sought improvement in budgetary provision for cancer treatment and advocacy on stakeholders to be committed financially to the course.

Speaking on “Global Scourge of Antimicrobial Resistance: Current Approach to Surveillance and Management”, Dr Sherifat Sulaiman warned against purchase of antibiotic drugs without prescription.

Sulaiman noted that some sets of bacteria, fungi and parasites had formed resistant to some antibiotic drugs, the situation she blamed on indiscriminate take-in of antibiotic drugs.

The medical expert, who warned her colleagues to be cautious in the prescription of antibiotic drugs without laboratory confirmation, said studies had found malaria parasites resistant to Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) in some countries.

She called for the development of new antibiotic drugs, saying that bacteria, fungi and parasites had all formed resistant to one antibiotic or the other. (NAN)
AUO/JEO/MST
Edited by Janefrances Oraka/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Expert attributes pulmonary disease to respiratory irritants

Expert attributes pulmonary disease to respiratory irritants
By Desmond Austin Amanyi
Pulmonary
Abuja, Nov. 27, 2018 (NAN) Dr Chioma Ofoekii, a medical practitioner based in Abuja, has identified cigarette smoking and other respiratory irritants as the major causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Ofoekii made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
“The common cause of COPD in our environment is cigarette smoking. People exposed to second hand smoke, fumes from burning fuel and cooking are also at risk.
“Other known causes are air pollution and occupational exposure to dust. Asthmatic patients who smoke are at increased risk of COPD.
“In a few percent of patients, there is a genetic deficiency of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, an enzyme that prevents destruction of the elastic fibres in the alveoli. This deficiency results in Emphysema and liver disease,” she said.
Ofoekii however said that COPD could be prevented by avoidance of smoking and respiratory irritants.
“COPD can be prevented by avoiding or cessation of smoking. Occupational exposure to respiratory irritants such as dust and fumes can be reduced by use of protective equipments.
“Depending on the severity of the disease, management ranges from cessation of smoking to pharmacotherapy, oxygen supplementation and physiotherapy. Severe cases may benefit from surgical interventions,’’ the expert said.
She also emphasised that COPD is similar to other cardiac diseases and requires regular visits to hospitals for proper diagnosis.
“It is important to note that the symptoms of COPD overlap with other respiratory and cardiac diseases, and prompt presentation to the hospital is very important to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment, and prevention of complications,” she advised. (NAN
DA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Dentist recommends dental floss to prevent tooth disease

Dentist recommends dental floss to prevent tooth disease
By Maureen Ojinaka
Tooth
Enugu, July 4, 2018 (NAN) Dr Chidiebere Ibe, a Dentist with the 82 Division Medical Hospital, Enugu, on Wednesday recommended dental floss in lieu of wooden toothpick to prevent tooth disease.
Ibe made the recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Enugu.
He said that the use of the floss was more hygienic than the wooden pick, noting that using the floss one could hardly risk injuring his or her gum.
“The use of dental floss is more hygienic than wooden toothpick because the floss is made of plastic, which can easily remove particles from one’s teeth without injury or hole-creation for food residues to settle, which often causes bacteria to the tooth,” the expert said.
Ibe said that 80 per cent of plaque which were food residues that built up on the surface of the teeth, which could also cause gum disease, could be eliminated with the use of the dental floss made up of plastic.
“It has been widely accepted that the use of floss has a favourable effect on plaque removal and disease prevention, and about 80 per cent of it can be eliminated with this method,” he said.
The dentist urged everyone to always brush his or her teeth twice daily (morning and night) with fluoride toothpaste, to clean food and bacteria from the mouth.
According to him, such exercise will keep the teeth healthier. (NAN)
OJI/FLP/MST
Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Resident doctors want FG to establish regional infectious disease centres

Resident doctors want FG to establish regional infectious disease centres
By Ummul Idris
Centres
Abuja, May 16, 2018 (NAN) The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to establish regional infectious disease centres of excellence across the country.
Dr Ugochukwu Chinaka, the National President of NARD, made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Chinaka said the proposed centres would ease the constant pressure on teaching hospitals in the country.
“It will also stem the needless loss of Nigerians to Lassa fever and other diseases.
“Also, comprehensive live insurance for all healthcare workers in Nigeria is a necessity.
“However, we enjoin all healthcare workers especially doctors during this period of strike to imbibe best hygiene practices.
“NARD appreciates the recent scale of surveillance at the country’s land boarders and airports to stem the Ebola scare, and regulate and report entry of suspected infectious individuals to prevent spread of the deadly disease in Nigeria,” he said.
Chinaka notes that the ongoing advocacy with the board of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) was a welcomed development.
He added that NARD would like the government to support the board urgently and impress on management to reinstate all unjustly sacked resident doctors in JUTH.
“On that we have resolved to extend an earlier ultimatum by 21 days, starting from Monday, 14th May 2018, to avail government time to reinstate our members sacked in JUTH over the years with full benefits.
“NARD enjoins the Government of Osun State to urgently look into the welfare of our members at LTH Osogbo and resolve all lingering issues pertaining to the welfare of our members in Osogbo,” he said.
According to him, NARD does not have issues with pressure groups and agitation for better working conditions.
“NARD wishes to align with her parent body the NMA by reminding government that any adjustment in CONHESS should be matched with corresponding adjustment of CONMESS.
“Also, we frown at the fact that salaries of our members at various federal health institutions are still being withheld by respective hospital managements and call on all responsible to urgently pay all outstanding to our members.
“We request President Muhammadu Buhari to graciously assent to the Residency Training Programme Act in order to resolve all contentious issues affecting training of resident doctors in Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)
UMD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Disease surveillance: FCT gets new emergency operation centre

Disease surveillance: FCT gets new emergency operation centre
By Mustapha Sumaila
Centre
Abuja, May 14, 2018 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Public Health Emergency Operation Centre has been inaugurated to strengthen disease surveillance in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
The Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, inaugurated the centre on Monday.
Ihekweazu said the centre was another milestone recorded by the present administration in terms of disease surveillance.
He said that the newly established centre was the second in the country after the one in Zamfara.
He said NCDC had deployed technical personnel to train officers in the FCT’s Public Health Department on how to use the new emergency operation centre to boost surveillance in the territory.
According to him, the relationship between NCDC and the FCT public health department is cordial.
The NCDC boss noted that FCT deserved a robust healthcare system, being the centre of unity where people from different parts of the country reside.
In his remarks, the Director of FCT’s Public Health, Dr Humphrey Okoroukwu, said that with the new centre, his department would be able to monitor and get first hand information from the field across six area councils of the FCT.
Okoroukwu said that the new centre would be used for all health emergencies as well as for international teleconferences by linking up with any country of the world with a view to boost disease surveillance and control. (NAN)
MS/KOLE/MST
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Overdose on paracetamol causes liver failure, Expert warns

Overdose on paracetamol causes liver failure, Expert warns
NAN-HG-4
Paracetamol
By Yashim Katurak
Abuja, Sept. 18, 2017 (NAN) Dr Arikawe Adeolu, a medical practitioner at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, has warned that an overdose of paracetamol drug could cause liver failure within 24 hours.
Adeolu gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
He said that medications generally had side effects and that some drugs, such as paracetamol, which were often abused, could lead to liver damage.
“One of the major causes of liver disease is drugs. There are some kinds of drugs that can lead to liver damage if not taken as prescribed.
“There is one common drug that is very popular among this class of drugs and that is paracetamol. Paracetamol if taken above the recommended dose has the ability to damage the liver.
“An overdose of paracetamol can actually lead to liver failure within 24 hours. This is why it is not recommended that drugs are taken by self-medication.
“Excessive consumption of alcohol is another cause of liver disease. This substance has been shown to have a significant effect on liver function; excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to deterioration in liver function.
“This is because it has direct damaging effect on the liver cells. A fatty liver can also lead to liver damage,” Adeolu said.
He explained that a fatty liver was the deposition of fats into the liver, adding that this is usually caused by obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and alcohol.
According to the expert, once there is a fatty liver, there is ongoing damage to the liver, though one may not feel any immediate symptoms.
He, however, noted that there were specific and non-specific symptoms of liver disease.
“Non-specific symptoms are nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, while the specific symptoms are jaundice, abdominal swelling, pain, itching and dark coloration of urine,’’ said the expert.
He said that the faeces of individuals with the disease may appear pale rather than the normal brownish colour.
The expert advised that to prevent liver disease it was important for individuals to always undergo routine medical check-up for early detection and treatment.
He advised against taking drugs without prescription, stating that Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs could be dangerous to the overall health and wellbeing of an individual.
“If you feel unwell, go to a certified medical centre and run a diagnostic test to determine what the problem is.
“Even if you hardly fall sick, always ensure you do a routine check-up to rule out any possibility of underlying diseases,” he said. (NAN)
KRY/DOR/MST
Edited by Nyisom Dore/Muhammad Suleiman Tola