DRY SEASON DISEASES: BE CONSCIOUS OF CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS — EXPERT WARNS

Reporter : JOHN MADUAGWU

Abia State residents have also been advised to adopt precautionary measures to prevent and control some ailments that are common in dry season.

A Consultant Community Physician with the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Dr. Gloria Nkwo, gave the piece of advice in an interview with Radio Nigeria.

Dr. Nkwo explained that the dry season was usually characterised by high temperatures and low humidity, which increased the likelihood of transmission of some diseases, especially Cerebrospinal Meningitis.

She described Cerebrospinal Meningitis as an acute inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Dr. Nkwo noted that over 25 states in Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, were affected when Cerebrospinal Meningitis epidemic broke out in 2019.

The medical doctor said the disease was transmitted through air borne droplets and discharges from infected persons.

She listed high fever of about forty degrees centigrade, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, skin rashes and sensitivity to light as some of the symptoms of the disease.

The public health expert made a strong case for early treatment of cases to curb the spread, as well as avoiding over crowding in schools, camps and worship centres.

She also called for education of community members on the need to maintain a high level of personal hygiene through regular hand washing and covering their noses and mouth with disposable tissue when sneezing or coughing.