138 million Nigerians at risk of swollen scrotum, elephantiasis: FG
No fewer than 138 million Nigerians are at risk of Lymphatic Filariasis and, if not addressed, may develop elephantiasis and swollen scrotum in men.
Emmanuel Davies, the deputy director of the LF Elimination Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health, disclosed this at a media dialogue on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic, thread-like worms. The disease is transmitted through a female mosquito bite and is considered a neglected tropical disease globally.
According to Mr Davies, LF is one of the numerous neglected tropical diseases common in rural areas and among low-income earners in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
“Other NTDs which are chronic are Trachoma, Schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted, helminthiasis, Onchocerciasis (river blindness) and are in the preventive chemotherapy categories,” he noted.
The health official added, “The rest in the case management NTDs categories are snakebite, dog bite (rabies), yaw, trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness).”
He further stated that if one did not treat the disease promptly, the infected person might come down with elephantiasis and swollen scrotum in men.
“Mass Administration of Medicine,” using ivermectin and Albendazole tablets, must be taken annually to prevent the disease, said Mr Davies.
“Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) must be activated in states to ensure affected persons have basic healthcare. We must guide against mosquito bites,” Mr Davies warned. “We must begin to take programmatic steps for interruption of LF transmission, which Nigeria has modified and adapted.”
He stated that the prevalence study conducted between 2000 and 2018 in 774 LGAs in Nigeria showed that 75.3 per cent of the areas were LF-endemic in 36 states and the FCT.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
Group urges Supreme Court to reverse Mali’s junta ban on political activities
It was not clear if the court might consider the appeal.
Agriculture
Kwara receives 330,400 doses of anthrax vaccine to tackle zoonotic diseases
The agriculture minister assured the donors of adequate utilisation of the vaccine.
Agriculture
FG, Borno partner on irrigation projects to boost agriculture
The minister sought collaboration in the Open Defecation Free Nigeria Campaign to improve sanitation nationwide.
Politics
Court dismisses suit seeking Bayelsa governor’s disqualification, awards N500,000 fine
“I am of the view and I do hold that the suit lacks merit.’’
World
UN increase fight against human trafficking
The UNODC noted that combating child trafficking will be a top priority.
States
1,500 residents benefited from Ogun free surgery, says Governor Abiodun
Mr Abiodun said his administration would continue to address the welfare and wellbeing of Ogun residents.