•Experts proffer solutions
Katsina, Kano and Anambra state governments say they have put in place, proactive measures to contain outbreak of hot season-related diseases this year.
This is as health experts in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu states have proffered solutions to prevent and contain diseases associated with the current heat waves in the South East states.
Responding to enquirers from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on their state of preparedness to handle outbreak of diseases during the hot season, the authorities in those states said both preventive and curative approaches would be adopted.
They said that already, there were standing committees on outbreak of diseases, just as most health facilities had been stocked with drugs and vaccines.
Director, Public Health, Katsina state Ministry of Health, Dr Ma’awiya Aliyu, said enough drugs had been purchased and stocked in health facilities across the state.
He said the ministry had Disease Surveillance, Monitoring and Evaluation officers tasked with the responsibility of reporting outbreak of diseases to the appropriate authorities.
Aliyu stated that apart from the surveillance officers, there is an Emergency Response Committee, headed by the State Commissioner of Health.
According to him, the ministry has Health Educators at state and local government levels, who enlightened members of the public on preventive measures against diseases.
He advised that people, especially children, should get vaccinated against hot season diseases, and also report any health problem to the nearest health facility, for prompt action to be taken.
Also, Kano State Government said it was placing emphasis on preventive measures, rather than curative, as part of its proactive measures.
Dr. Ashir Rajab, Director Public Health and Disease Control, Kano State Ministry of Health said drugs had also been procured to address outbreak of diseases.
He listed the common diseases during the hot season to include measles, malaria, cholera, and meningitis, among others.
According to him, the Emergency Preparedness and Response Committees (EPR) of the ministry ensures surveillance to identify outbreak of diseases.
Also Anambra State Government said it is on high alert and taking proactive measures to guard against the spread of diseases associated with heatwave in the state
Dr Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health said the government was prepared for any eventuality.
He described heatwave as a period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity and serious public health implications.
He urged residents to drink lots of water and ensure adequate ventilation at homes to mitigate the intensity of the heatwave in the state.
He said: “Following the report of the diseases such as Lassa Fever and Diphtheria across some states in the country, we activated our Emergency Preparedness and Response Team. The ministry is on high alert to prevent and contain any outbreak of diseases in the state. We have trained health personnel and response officers on enhanced active case search, sample collections and case management. It is that season again when everywhere is so hot and uncomfortable. It is also that time we should realise that extreme heat can be harmful to our body physiology. Not taking enough water will leave you dehydrated and can affect your kidneys in the long run. Therefore, it is advisable to drink lots of water, wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. Avoid dark, heavy, tight fitting outfits.
They will make you feel uncomfortable and sweat more,” he said.
Meanwhile, health experts in Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States have called on the people to always stay in airy places to prevent diseases associated with heat.
Director Public Health, Enugu State Ministry of Health,Dr Boniface Okolo who proffered solutions to prevent and contain diseases associated with the current heat waves said staying in airy places help everyone during heat season.
“For people to live healthy during hot season, they have to always be in cool places. People should stay either in an air conditioned room or under the fan. However, staying under the fan, one has to open his or her windows to have enough air,” he said.
In the same vein, Mr Felix Onyezebe, a Consultant Dermatologist at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FETHA) in Ebonyi has called for increased awareness in tackling diseases associated with heat wave.
Onyezebe said a reduction in indoor heat exposure, drinking enough water and eating healthy beverages made of natural ingredients could help the skin to get back and glow.
He advised health authorities and the general public to reduce exposing the body to severe heat illnesses which would cause life time health conditions.
According to him, heat illnesses such as heat stroke could be life threatening if the body overheats under a high temperature environment.
The dermatologist identified other diseases associated with the condition to include bumps on skin, muscle spasms, headache, dizziness and nausea.
He said other common symptoms include heat rash, heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
He also suggested consumption of vegetables and fruits that contained high antioxidants as they acted as oral sunscreens if exposed to high temperature and dehydration.