The HEAT Scourge

Rainfalls in the north are usually characterized to be few and in between ranging from 450mm and below; recently with the last years rains and flooding the perception has changed; nevertheless a twist to the assumption has 'come back' again in this year's rain? National Meterology Centre must have missed the mark this time around because this year has not witnessed "floods"; before I shoot my mouth off ; the rains might come back in full force.

The Heat wave currently ravaging Kano is unbelievable and with it comes ailments which can be easily averted; Meningitis is the number "Baby" of Heat and currently statistics from primary healthcare centres in Kano municipal have shown cases of 100 children down with this ailment. First option to do is immunise, immunise children between the ages of 2-17 and in the event you are not able to then keep your rooms well ventilated (cross ventilation is preferable), let the children sleep in light clothing, give them clean water to drink ALWAYS, wash your hands with soap and water in all situations, teach them to do so as well.

The signs and symptoms of Meningitis are almost starting off like the "flu" (cattarh and cough) and mature within 24hours; it starts sudden high fever, severe headache that is usually confused with other kinds of headaches, stiff neck, vomitting or feeling to vomit (nausea) with headache, confusion or difficulty concerntrating, seizures, sleepiness or difficulty in waking up, sensitivity to light, lack of interest in eating and drinking and in some cases skin rash.

For babies and infants the syptoms include high fever, constant crying, exessive sleepiness or irritability, inactivity or sluggishness, poor feeding, a bulge in the soft spot on top of baby's head and stiffness in the baby's body or neck.

There are two types of meningitis; viral and bacterial; viral can improve without treatment but bacterial is fatal within days which comes on very quickly and requires antibiotic treatment. Delaying treatment howeveer can lead to permanent brain damage or death thus once you notice more than 50% of the listed symptoms do not hesistate to seek medical help.