Public health advocate and family health physician, Dr. Blossom Maduafokwa, has raised alarms about Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with Lassa fever, which was first identified in the country in 1969. Despite more than five decades of awareness, the disease continues to claim lives due to persistent issues like poor sanitation, inadequate public education, and a weakened healthcare response system. Speaking on ARISE News on Sunday, Dr. Maduafokwa emphasized that the lack of a robust prevention and control strategy has allowed the infection to spread unchecked.
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the Lassa virus, primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, particularly the mastomys rat. Dr. Maduafokwa explained how the disease transmits when these rodents contaminate food or household items with their urine or faeces. Individuals can contract the virus by consuming or inhaling materials that are tainted, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, vomiting, and, in severe cases, bleeding.
Dr. Maduafokwa noted that despite the extensive time available to study the disease, Nigeria has yet to develop effective measures to combat it. “We’ve had 56 years to study this disease and provide solutions,” she stated, underscoring the critical need for improved environmental sanitation and rodent control. She advocated for public education initiatives to inform individuals about safe food handling practices, such as avoiding drying food outside and proper hygiene measures like regular handwashing.
Healthcare professionals treating Lassa fever patients also face significant risks. Dr. Maduafokwa called for enhanced infection control training and resources within healthcare settings to better protect staff. “Healthcare professionals must maintain a high index of suspicion because Lassa fever often presents like malaria,” she advised, adding that individuals experiencing fever and body aches should seek care promptly from qualified health providers. She highlighted the importance of utilizing free primary health centres, warning that delays in seeking treatment can be fatal.
In addition to Lassa fever, Dr. Maduafokwa discussed another pressing public health concern: the link between thunderstorms and asthma attacks. Recent studies indicate that environmental factors can significantly exacerbate respiratory issues. “Asthma is an allergic reaction that affects the lungs,” she explained. During thunderstorms, lightning and high winds can break down pollen into smaller particles that become airborne, which can trigger severe asthma attacks in susceptible individuals.
Beyond infectious and respiratory diseases, Dr. Maduafokwa emphasized the importance of lifestyle choices, particularly diet and exercise, for long-term health. She pointed out that as individuals age, their basal metabolic rate decreases, yet many continue to consume the same quantities of food. “Your portion sizes must match your age and level of physical activity,” she advised, encouraging clients to focus on three critical aspects: quantity, quality, and food preparation.
To promote healthier eating habits, Dr. Maduafokwa recommended reducing processed carbohydrates and increasing the intake of colorful, fiber-rich foods such as beans and sweet potatoes. She also highlighted the significance of food preparation methods, noting that cooking techniques like frying can significantly increase calorie content. Opting for boiling, baking, grilling, or air frying can help maintain a healthier diet.
In conclusion, Dr. Maduafokwa urged Nigerians to cultivate a deeper understanding of their health and food choices, motivating them to prioritize wellness in their lives. “Find your why — your reason to stay healthy,” she advised. By recognizing the importance of healthy living, individuals can improve their health outcomes and overall quality of life.
