Health - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Patients from US, others throng Nigeria hospitals – Shettima

Salisu Sani Idris
Feb, Fri, 2025

Health

Patients from US, others throng Nigeria hospitals – Shettima

517 total views today

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice-President Kashim Shettima says patients from the United States (US) and other countries are thronging Nigeria hospitals to seek affordable and high-quality kidney transplants.

Shettima said this on Thursday, during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Association of Nephrology at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, ahead of the association’s 37th Scientific Conference.

According to the Vice-President, Nigeria is witnessing a surge in reverse medical tourism.

Shettima attributed the choice of Nigeria for treatment, to affordability and high-quality expertise within the country’s medical community.

He stressed the need for further investments in specialised medical education to sustain this progress.

“There is reverse medical tourism these days fundamentally because of the level of care at some of our hospitals.

” Recently, 13 patients from the United States came to Nigeria for kidney transplants at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, because it is much cheaper here.

“They received the same level of expertise available anywhere in the world,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President commended Dr Olalekan Olatise, Chief Medical Director of Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre, for his contributions to kidney care.

Shettima described Olatise as “a very decent man who is highly altruistic” in his efforts to assist humanity.

The Vice-President, however, noted the financial strain on patients, many of whom he said, sold their houses or rely on government support to afford the transplants.

“While getting a kidney transplant is a significant challenge, life after a transplant presents even more difficulties.

“Many patients struggle with the cost of post-transplant care, including immunosuppressants, which are essential to maintaining their health,” he said.

The Vice-President recalled healthcare initiatives he had embarked on during his tenure as Governor of Borno, as well as the success of ongoing free maternal care programmes he introduced.

“At a hospital in my neighborhood, we provide a bag of rice and beans to every new mother.

” They record about 30 births daily, more than even the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

” Over 4,000 deliveries have been recorded in less than eight months, with all medical expenses covered, including caesarean sections,” Shettima said.

The Vice-President reiterated the need for Nigeria to build its medical workforce, noting that when he was in Borno as Governor, he took 60 female students to study Medicine in Sudan.

“About 58 of them completed their education and passed the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) licensing exams.

” Most of them are now in their medical residency programmes. The beauty of training women in medicine is that they are more likely to stay back and serve their communities.

“We must make deliberate and targeted investments in specialised healthcare education in this country,” the Vice President said.

Earlier, Dr Olatise said that the conference with the theme, “Revolutionising Kidney Care in Nigeria: Evidence-Based Innovations,” will take place in Abuja from Feb.19 to Feb. 21.

Olatise, who is the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 37th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting of the association, announced plans to honour Shettima with the Kidney Champion Award.

This, according to him, is in recognition of his advocacy and direct support for kidney patients, including funding immunosuppressants and proposing the establishment of a specialised laboratory for post-transplant care.

“We have noticed the role the Vice President is playing in looking after kidney patients in the country.

” He has been involved in purchasing immunosuppressants, providing post-transplant care, and even considering setting up a lab to monitor calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) levels for kidney patients.

” This award is a recognition of his commitment,” Olatise said.

Other members of the delegation included Secretary of LOC, Dr Adegboyega Faponle, and the association’s Treasurer, Dr Manmak Mamven. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

NGO sensitises pupils on healthy nutrition in Abuja schools

Muhyideen Jimoh
Feb, Fri, 2025

Education , Health

NGO sensitises pupils on healthy nutrition in Abuja schools

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By Nana Musa

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Nature First Foundation, has conducted a sensitisation exercise for young children on healthy nutrition, wellness and sustainable agriculture in Abuja schools.

The Founder of the organisation, Priscilla Canice-Obi, and her team conducted the sensitisation at Vantage Point Academy, in Abuja on Thursday.

“We are educating and sensitising the young learners, to nurture healthier school children by promoting healthy habits, wellness lifestyles, the use of indigenous herbs, and gardening skills.

” We are targeting the future generation with this campaign, promoting healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices among children, especially as we witness the adverse effects of unhealthy eating among adults.

“ With over 11 million Nigerians battling diabetes, this is a dangerous trend so we are catching them young to help them grow up consciously, making good nutrition and wellness choices,” Canice-Obi said.

She said that the foundation is operating after receiving approval from the Universal Basic Education Board to implement the programme in primary and secondary schools.

Canice-Obi, said the foundation’s healthy natural nutrition and wellness campaign for children initiative was launched in 2024 and had it first edition in December.

” The initiative will pave way for Nature First Foundation Africa’s establishment of Wellness Clubs across schools in the FCT, where students will be trained and educated to embrace healthy nutrition, wellness lifestyle and sustainability practices.

” The foundation’s activities are currently powered by Nature First®, a sustainable and impact-driven nutrition and wellness company in the country,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as part of the outreach, the foundation distributed well-star wellness pamphlets to the students.

It serves as a reminder on the importance of eating healthy natural foods, exercising, nurturing the earth and drinking water to stay hydrated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Aisha Ahmed and Muhyideen Jimoh

FCTA leaving no one behind in fight against cancer – Minister

Philip Daniel Yatai
Feb, Wed, 2025

Health

FCTA leaving no one behind in fight against cancer – Minister

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By Philip Yatai

Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the FCT Administration is leaving no one behind in the fight against cancer.

Mahmoud stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, at an event organised by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) to commemorate the 2025 World Cancer Day.

The minister, who called for inclusive and sustained action against cancer, stressed the need for collaboration to “ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer in FCT.

“We understand that tackling cancer requires collective efforts.

“This is why the FCT Administration is committed to forging strategic partnerships with institutions like NICRAT to enhance cancer awareness, build capacity for prevention and early detection.

“This, in the long run, will improve access to screening and treatment services.”

She said that the FCT Administration was investing in infrastructure and taking deliberate steps to strengthen its healthcare system.

This, according to her, will ensure that residents of the FCT have better access to quality healthcare services, including cancer prevention and treatment.

She commended NICRAT for its dedication to advancing cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Nigeria.

According to her, NICRAT commitment to driving awareness and fostering collaboration is truly commendable, and the day’s event is yet another testament to its tireless efforts.

Mahmoud reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to work hand in hand with NICRAT and other stakeholders to drive impactful interventions that would improve the health indices of residents and ultimately save lives.

Earlier, the Director-General of the institute, Prof. Usman Aliyu said that World Cancer Day was targeted at raising awareness, improving education, and catalysing joint action to prevent cancer.

Aliyu added that the event was also organised to mobilise support for persons affected by the disease.

Speaking on the 2025 theme, “United by Unique”, the D-G highlighted the importance of collaboration to create inclusive cancer solutions globally.

He said that since inception, NICRAT had initiated and sustained robust collaboration with local and international partners on training of cancer workforce at all levels of care, research, and contemporary preventive measures.

He said that the institute would continue to work hard to ensure the actualisation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector, especially cancer care. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Anambra treats 156 dog bite cases in 2 years – Official

Lydia Beshel
Feb, Wed, 2025

Health

Anambra treats 156 dog bite cases in 2 years – Official

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Dog

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Anambra State Government, in partnership with Carter Centre, said it recorded and treated 156 dog bite cases between 2023 and 2024.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, made this known at a news conference on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Interventions, to mark the 2025 World NTDs Day, in Awka.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Unite to Act Towards Elimination of NTDs”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World NTDs Day is marked every Jan. 30 to create awareness and support the growing momentum for the control, elimination and eradication of these diseases.

Obidike said the state government established three centres for the treatment of dog bite victims against rabies viral infection at Onitsha Federal Medical Centre, Ekwulobia and Enugu-Ukwu General Hospitals.

“Out of the 156 dog bite cases, 118 victims showed open wounds and bleeding, and more than half received free prophylactic treatment with anti-rabies vaccines.

“Results indicated that 87 males and 69 females were exposed, representing 56 per cent and 44 per cent respectively.

“The incessant movement of unvaccinated homeless, stray dogs in our streets remains a big challenge of public health.

“We are collaborating with the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, to control rabies viral infection in the state,” he said.

The commissioner identified onchocerciasis, known as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) as the NTDs in the state.

According to him, NTDs are caused by a variety of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins.

He said that the state had successfully eliminated two NTDs – river blindness and elephantiasis, through mass drug administration and vector control programmes.

Obidike urged Carter Centre and academic institutions to strengthen collaboration with the government, to sustain the successes achieved in the prevention of NTDs.

He urged residents to report cases of elephantiasis, hydrocele, dog bites, snake bites, oncho nodules, yaws, buruli ulcer, leprosy, guinea worm, and bloody urine, to the nearest health centre for prompt treatment.

Also speaking, Mrs Egeonu Attamah-Isiani, Programme Officer, Carter Centre, said the centre would continue to support the state to eliminate NTDs and achieve the global target by 2030.

In her remarks, Prof. Nkiru Orji, Coordinator, Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN), South-East, urged the state government to make policies and increase funding for NTDs research, to provide data for elimination. (NAN)

Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Oluwafunke Ishola

Lydia Beshel
Feb, Wed, 2025

Health

Cancer: Oncologist advises Nigerians on healthy life style

360 total views today

Cancer

By Confidence Nwanesi and Kemi Akintokun

A Consultant Oncologist, Dr Ajibike Orekoya, has advised Nigerians to adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of having cancer.

Orekoya, the Head of Oncology Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, gave the advice at a programme organised by the hospital to commemorate the 2025 World Cancer Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Cancer Day is observed every Feb. 4 globally, to create awareness about the disease.

The theme for 2025 is “United by Unique”.

According to her, breast and prostrate cancers are the most common among women and men in the country, hence the need for regular checkup to ensure early detection.

The oncologist noted that women who started menstruation earlier were at s risk of having cancer, while women with family history were also at risk.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and leading cause of cancer deaths among women in low and middle-income countries.

“The World Cancer Day has been set aside globally to create awareness about different things concerning cancer care.

” The most common cancers in Nigeria among women and men are breast and prostate cancer.

”Breast cancer doesn’t have a known cause but there are different things that may increase the risk of a person having it,” he said.

Orekoya, however, urged the Federal Government to increase the number of cancer centres in the country to give patients more access to treatment

“The government, on its part, is trying but there’s still more that can be done.

“The government, has subsidised the treatment for cancer patients and we all know that cancer treatment is quite expensive.

“Patients who are under the health insurance, part of their treatment is covered:

“There’s also another programme where drugs that patients received are provided to them at a subsidised rate,” he said.

Orekoya urged the government to do more by increasing the number of cancer centres in the country and ensure access to timely treatment

” Luckily for us here, the Federal Government is building a comprehensive cancer centre where patients will be able to have regenerative treatment, hopefully at a subsidise rate. (NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Study finds rising plastic particles in human brain, liver

Lydia Beshel
Feb, Tue, 2025

Health

Study finds rising plastic particles in human brain, liver

305 total views today

Plastic

Tiny plastic particles are accumulating in human tissues at increasingly higher levels, a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine showed.

The study, led by Matthew Campen of the University of New Mexico, shows that there are significantly higher levels of plastic nano and micro particles in the liver and brain.

The research was carried out from deceased people in 2024 compared to those studied in 2016.

According to the study released on Tuesday, the contamination is particularly high in the brain, with levels up to 30 times higher than in other organs such as the liver or kidneys,.

It said that while micro plastics have previously been detected in organs like the lungs, intestines and even the placenta, conventional microscopy typically only identifies particles larger than five micrometers.

The authors of the study said this excluded smaller nano particles that may be present.

Campen’s team employed advanced infrared and electron microscopy, which has allowed them to detect these smaller particles with greater accuracy.

The researchers analysed tissue samples from 24 deceased individuals in 2024 and compared them with 28 samples from 2016.

While the levels of plastic nano and micro particles in the kidneys remained largely unchanged, the liver and brain showed increase, particularly high levels in people with dementia.

The study also identified alarming levels of micro plastics in the brains of people diagnosed with dementia.

Twelve (12) brain samples were collected between 2019 and 2024, contained between 12,000 and 48,000 micrograms of plastic per gram of tissue.

However, the researchers said that these findings are associative and do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

The team also analysed the types of plastic found, with polyethylene, the plastic commonly used in bottles and packaging found to be the most prevalent.

It accounted for 40 to 65per cent of the plastic detected in the liver and kidneys, and up to 75 per cent in the brain.

The researchers cautioned that some of the differences observed in brain tissue could be attributed to geographic factors, as the samples were collected from New Mexico and the U.S. East Coast.

They stressed the need for larger-scale; longer-term studies to further explore the effects of micro and nano plastic accumulation, particularly on neurological health.
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Halima Sheji

Rabi'u Sani Ali
Feb, Tue, 2025

Health

FG approves $1.07bn for health sector reform

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By Salif Atojoko

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved 1.07 billion dollars for healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) programme.

The Federal Government also approved a N4.8 billion allocation for HIV treatment.

Mr Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, said while addressing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday.

He said the International Development Association (IDA) provided two concessional loans of 500 million dollars each, alongside 70 million dollars in grant funding from other international bodies.

Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, said the HOPE programme aligned with the administration’s agenda to strengthen human capital development.

“The funds will be directed toward improving governance in healthcare and enhancing primary healthcare services nationwide.

“This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the subnational level,” Pate said.

He added that 500 million dollars was dedicated to expanding the quality, utilisation and resilience of the primary healthcare system, including emergency maternal and child health services.

“As part of broader healthcare reforms, the council also approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months.

“This initiative underscores the federal government’s commitment to providing life-saving treatment and reducing healthcare costs for vulnerable populations,” he said. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Ismail Abdulaziz
Feb, Mon, 2025

Health

UNFPA highlights roles in reproductive health in Africa

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By Folasade Akpan

The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) plays crucial role in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in West and Central Africa.

The fund also addresses key challenges such as maternal mortality, unmet family planning needs, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and vulnerabilities of women and girls in humanitarian crises.

Alian Akpadji, the UNFPA Resident Representative for West and Central Africa, who represented Sennen Hounton, the fund’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said these during a news conference on the sidelines of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri.

He said the region had continued to grapple with many reproductive health issues amid fragile health systems, making UNFPA’s interventions vital for sustainable development and human rights.

He outlined key focus areas of UNFPA’s work, emphasising commitment to reducing maternal mortality.

He highlighted efforts to expand access to quality maternal healthcare by strengthening antenatal, childbirth, and postnatal services, as well as supporting Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) to address life-threatening pregnancy and delivery complications.

He further noted that “UNFPA is training midwives, nurses and healthcare workers to improve skilled birth attendance, particularly in underserved communities, while advocating Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to ensure every woman has access to life-saving maternal health services..”

He underscored the importance of family planning and reproductive health, stressing that UNFPA provides modern contraceptive methods and counselling to prevent unintended pregnancies and empower women to make informed choices.

The regional director added that strengthening supply chains ensures uninterrupted access to contraceptives and essential reproductive health commodities.

He emphasised UNFPA’s role in advocating youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health education to address early pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

According to him, the fund implements GBV prevention and response programmes, including safe spaces, psychological support, and legal assistance for survivors.

“UNFPA is working with governments and communities to end child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), and other harmful traditional practices,” he added.

The UNFPA official further said that efforts are being made to strengthen law enforcement and justice systems to hold perpetrators of GBV accountable.

He highlighted the organisation’s commitment to adolescent and youth reproductive health needs, strengthening healthcare systems and humanitarian response.

He said “UNFPA is enhancing the capacity of national health systems to deliver quality Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, even in fragile settings.

“The agency provides lifesaving reproductive health services in humanitarian crises, including safe childbirth kits, emergency contraception, and post-rape care.

“Mobile health clinics have been deployed to reach displaced populations and communities in remote areas, while gender-responsive policies are being advocated to prioritise women’s and girls’ needs in humanitarian and post-conflict recovery efforts.”

On gender equality and women’s empowerment, he stressed the need to support women’s economic empowerment by linking reproductive health services with education, vocational training, and financial literacy programmes.

He explained that UNFPA collaborates with faith-based and traditional leaders to shift social norms and promote gender equality, while campaigning for gender-responsive policies that ensure women’s voices are included in decision-making at all levels.

On the use of data and innovation for better health outcomes, Akpadji revealed that UNFPA conducts demographic surveys to inform policies on health, education, and economic planning.

He noted that digital health solutions and mobile platforms are being used to provide reproductive health information and services, while strengthening Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) to ensures every birth is recorded, facilitating access to healthcare and social services.

Reflecting on UNFPA’s impact in West and Central Africa, he said that through partnerships with governments, civil society, youth groups, and international organisations, the agency has contributed to increased contraceptive prevalence rates and a reduced unmet need for family planning.

He noted that lower maternal mortality rates had been achieved in several countries through improved access to quality maternal health services.

He emphasised that awareness and advocacy against GBV led to stronger legal protections for women and girls, while more inclusive policies for youth and adolescents ensured greater access to reproductive health education and services.

He reaffirmed the fund’s commitment to ensuring vulnerable and displaced persons received the support they needed for a healthier and more empowered future.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Noise pollution: NESERA urges prompt report of environmental violations

Lydia Beshel
Feb, Mon, 2025

Health

Noise pollution: NESERA urges prompt report of environmental violations

402 total views today

Pollution
By Doris Esa
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has called on Nigerians to promptly report environmental violations to the agency.
Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director-General, NESREA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Barikor spoke through Mr Elijah Udofia, Director, Environmental Quality Control (EQC), NESREA.
The director-general also urged Nigerians to respect environmental laws and regulations in the country.
He said that the agency would not fail to take action against individuals or facilities that violated those laws.
Barikor said that the agency had received and responded to several complaints on noise pollution.
He said the complaints were mostly from faith-based organisations (Churches and Mosques), night clubs, social gardens, power generating sets, musical shops, among others, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states of the federation.
“These complaints received were investigated and resolved.’’
He said that the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009 prescribed the maximum permissible noise levels a facility or activity to which a person might be exposed to.
He said that the regulations equally addressed noise from other forms like in the place of worship, market places, sales, promotion with the use of public address system, among others.
Barikor said that facilities that were guilty of non-compliance had been sanctioned as provided in the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009 after being served several notifications to abate noise pollution.
He said that, to effectively carry out her mandate, the agency was enforcing the provisions of 35 National Environmental Regulations on various environmental issues.
He said in pursuit of the implementation of National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009, the agency embarked on sensitisation of the general public on the provisions of the regulations.
The NESERA boss said the regulations stressed on the sources and dangers of noise and ways of ameliorating the menace.
Barikor said that the sensitisation campaigns on noise pollution by the agency were carried out through print and broadcast media, social media, posters, flyers, stickers, among others.
He said that the agency was currently working on carrying out enforcement exercises against some facilities in Abuja and Nasarawa State for violating the provisions of the regulations.
“Recently, Cyvillian Garden, a popular relaxation spot in Mararaba , Nasarawa State, was shut down by NESREA over complaints on noise pollution by residents,’’ he said.
Barikor reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring a healthier environment for all Nigerians.
More so, an environmental consultant, Mr Lanre Eyinfunjowo, told NAN that noise pollution was a critical issue that needed to be addressed in Nigeria environmental space.
Eyinfunjowo, who is the President, Association of Accredited Environmental Consultants of Nigeria, said that many people were not aware that noise was a type of pollution.
He urged NESREA and other relevant agencies to continue to address the menace of noise pollution through public advocacy and sensitisation of Nigerians on the impact of noise to the environment. (NAN)
Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Lydia Beshel
Feb, Mon, 2025

Health

Nigeria on alert as Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak, says NCDC

449 total views today

Ebola
By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has placed the country on high alert following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.
Dr Jide Idris, the Director‐General, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
NAN reports that EVD is a rare but severe illness caused by viruses of the genus Ebolavirus.
First identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the disease has led to multiple outbreaks across Africa.
Ebola spreads to humans through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals such as fruit bats, chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope, and porcupines.
Human-to-human transmission occurs via direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or materials like bedding and clothing.
Healthcare workers and family members are particularly at risk when caring for infected patients without proper protective measures.
Idris said that although the country has no reported cases of Ebola, the agency, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has activated heightened surveillance measures to prevent importation of the virus into the country.
He said that the outbreak, caused by the Sudan strain of the virus, was confirmed by Uganda’s Ministry of Health on January 30, 2025, with one reported case and one death in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City in Mbale District.
The Director General of NCDC assured Nigerians that proactive steps were being taken to mitigate any risk of an outbreak.
He urged Nigerians to adhere to the following preventive measures:” Practice good hand hygiene – Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitisers.
“Avoid contact with persons showing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, and unexplained bleeding.
“Refrain from consuming bushmeat, especially bats and primates.
“Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after travelling to an affected country.”
Additionally, he advised health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and report suspected cases immediately.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, he advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases.
Beyond Ebola, he said that the country is currently battling outbreaks of Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, Mpox, measles, and anthrax.
“Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed and follow official updates from the NCDC through its hotline (6232), social media platforms (@NCDCgov), and official website,” he added.
NAN recalls that the incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days. Initial symptoms include sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.
As the disease progresses, individuals may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding.
A range of potential treatments, including blood products, immune therapies, and drug therapies, are currently being evaluated. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba