Diphtheria Outbreak: Expect More Cases In More States - NCDC

The number of confirmed cases of diphtheria disease has risen to 123 in the country, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. This is even as the agency warned that people should be wary because there is likely to be more cases in more states in the days ahead.  

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, disclosed this on Monday.

This is just as the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, urged parents to ensure that their children get vaccinated against the infection as the country is still battling Lassa fever, measles, meningitis, and yellow fever.

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat and sometimes, skin of an individual.

It spreads easily between people through direct contact with infected people, droplets from coughing or sneezing, and contact with contaminated clothing and objects.

Adetifa said the cases were recorded in Kano, Lagos, Yobe, and Osun States.

According to the DG, the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths were recorded in Kano State.

He said, “Based on the latest reports from states shared with the NCDC as of January 22, 123 confirmed cases and 38 deaths have been recorded.”

A breakdown of the cases showed that Kano State recorded 100 confirmed cases with 32 deaths, followed by Yobe State with 17 confirmed cases and three deaths; Lagos State recorded five confirmed cases and three deaths, while Osun State recorded one case.

Speaking at a ministerial press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Ehanire said “Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease and we are urging that people should get vaccinated. The vaccines are there and we need cooperation and uptake.”

Also speaking, the Director of Special Duties and Partnership of the NCDC, Dr Priscilla Ibekwe, said the agency is working with state Ministries of Health and partners to enhance surveillance and response to the outbreak.

Ibekwe, who represented the DG at the briefing, said there may be more cases from more states.

She said “Given the sub-optimal coverage for the third dose of diphtheria containing pentavalent vaccine (54 percent – 2021 MICS and NICS) in the country, we expect more cases from more states.

“In view of this, we have deployed the Rapid Response Team members to support state response and media engagements with the DG.”

  

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NAFDAC Warns Nigerians Of Toxic Cough Syrups

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against two substandard cough syrups identified in Uzbekistan.

In a statement on Monday, NAFDAC identified the products as Ambronol syrup and DOK-1 Max syrup.

The agency said the syrups were manufactured by Marion Biotech, India, adding that the manufacturer has not provided guarantees to the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the safety and quality of the products.

It said laboratory analysis of samples of both products carried out by Uzbekistan’s ministry of health, found the syrups contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

“Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury which may lead to death,” the statement reads.

“These substandard products are therefore unsafe and their use, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death.

“NAFDAC implores manufacturers of liquid dosage forms, especially syrups that contain excipients including propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol, and/or glycerin /glycerol, to test for the presence of contaminants such as ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol before use in medicines.

“Although the products are not in the NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers are advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the substandard (contaminated) syrups. All medical products must be obtained from authorised/licensed suppliers. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.” 

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The Link Between Fast Food Consumption And Liver Disease

The new year has begun and with it, resolutions for change. A study from Keck Medicine of USC published last week in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology gives people extra motivation to reduce fast-food consumption.

The study found that eating fast food is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a potentially life-threatening condition in which fat builds up in the liver.

Researchers discovered that people with obesity or diabetes who consume 20% or more of their daily calories from fast food have severely elevated levels of fat in their liver compared to those who consume less or no fast food. And the general population has moderate increases of liver fat when one-fifth or more of their diet is fast food.

"Healthy livers contain a small amount of fat, usually less than 5%, and even a moderate increase in fat can lead to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease," said Ani Kardashian, MD, a hepatologist with Keck Medicine and lead author of the study. "The severe rise in liver fat in those with obesity or diabetes is especially striking, and probably due to the fact that these conditions cause a greater susceptibility for fat to build up in the liver."

While previous research has shown a link between fast food and obesity and diabetes, this is one of the first studies to demonstrate the negative impact of fast food on liver health, according to Kardashian.

The findings also reveal that a relatively modest amount of fast food, which is high in carbohydrates and fat, can hurt the liver. "If people eat one meal a day at a fast-food restaurant, they may think they aren't doing harm," said Kardashian. "However, if that one meal equals at least one-fifth of their daily calories, they are putting their livers at risk."

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also known as liver steatosis, can lead to cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, which can cause liver cancer or failure. Liver steatosis affects over 30% of the U.S. population.

Kardashian and colleagues analyzed the most recent data from the nation's largest annual nutritional survey, the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, to determine the impact of fast-food consumption on liver steatosis.

The study characterized fast food as meals, including pizza, from either a drive-through restaurant or one without wait staff.

The researchers evaluated the fatty liver measurement of approximately 4,000 adults whose fatty liver measurements were included in the survey and compared these measurements to their fast-food consumption.

Of those surveyed, 52% consumed some fast food. Of these, 29% consumed one-fifth or more daily calories from fast food. Only this 29% of survey subjects experienced a rise in liver fat levels.

The association between liver steatosis and a 20% diet of fast food held steady for both the general population and those with obesity or diabetes even after data was adjusted for multiple other factors such as age, sex, race, ethnicity, alcohol use and physical activity.

"Our findings are particularly alarming as fast-food consumption has gone up in the last 50 years, regardless of socioeconomic status," said Kardashian. "We've also seen a substantial surge in fast-food dining during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is probably related to the decline in full-service restaurant dining and rising rates of food insecurity. We worry that the number of those with fatty livers has gone up even more since the time of the survey."

She hopes the study will encourage health care providers to offer patients more nutrition education, especially to those with obesity or diabetes who are at higher risk of developing a fatty liver from fast food. Currently, the only way to treat liver steatosis is through an improved diet.

Jennifer Dodge, MPH, assistant professor of research medicine and population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Norah Terrault, MD, MPH, a Keck Medicine gastroenterologist and division chief of gastroenterology and liver diseases at the Keck School, were also authors on the study.

  

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Drinking Two Cups Of Coffee Daily May Lead To Fatal Heart Attacks

Drinking two or more cups of coffee a day may double the risk of death from cardiovascular disease among people with severe high blood pressure (160/100 mm Hg or higher) but not people with high blood pressure not considered severe, according to a research recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

In contrast, the study found that one cup of coffee and daily green tea consumption did not increase the risk of death related to cardiovascular disease at any blood pressure measurement, though both drinks contain caffeine. According to the FDA, an 8-ounce cup of green or black tea has 30-50 milligrams of caffeine, and an 8-ounce cup of coffee has closer to 80 to 100 milligrams.

Previous research found that drinking one cup of coffee a day may help heart attack survivors by lowering their risk of death after a heart attack and may prevent heart attacks or strokes in healthy individuals. In addition, separate studies have suggested drinking coffee regularly may reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes and some cancers; may help to control appetite; may help to lower the risk of depression or boost alertness, though it is not clear if this effect is from the caffeine or something else in coffee. On the harmful side, too much coffee may raise blood pressure and lead to anxiety, heart palpitations and difficulty sleeping.

“Our study aimed to determine whether the known protective effect of coffee also applies to individuals with different degrees of hypertension; and also examined the effects of green tea in the same population. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to find an association between drinking 2 or more cups of coffee daily and cardiovascular disease mortality among people with severe hypertension,” says Hiroyasu Iso, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., study's senior author, director of the Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine in Tokyo, Japan, and professor emeritus at Osaka University

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of blood vessels is consistently too high, making the heart work harder to pump blood. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The current blood pressure guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology classifies hypertension as a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

The blood pressure criteria for this study are slightly different from the ACC/AHA guidelines. Researchers classified blood pressure into five categories: optimal and normal (less than 130/85 mm Hg); high normal (130-139/85-89 mm Hg); grade 1 hypertension (140-159/90-99 mm Hg); grade 2 (160-179/100-109 mm Hg); and grade 3 (higher than 180/110 mm Hg). Blood pressure measures in grades 2 and 3 were considered severe hypertension in this study.

Study participants included more than 6,570 men and more than 12,000 women, ages 40 to 79 years at the start of the research. They were selected from the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer Risk – a large, prospective study established between 1988 and 1990 of adults living in 45 Japanese communities. Participants provided data through health examinations and self-administered questionnaires assessing lifestyle, diet and medical history.

During nearly 19 years of follow-up 842 cardiovascular-related deaths were documented. The analysis of data for all participants found:

• Drinking two or more cups of coffee a day was associated with twice the risk of cardiovascular disease death in people whose blood pressure was 160/100 mm Hg or higher compared to those who did not drink any coffee.
• Drinking one cup of coffee a day was not associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease across any blood pressure categories.
• Green tea consumption was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality across any blood pressure categories.

"These findings may support the assertion that people with severe high blood pressure should avoid drinking excessive coffee," said Iso. "Because people with severe hypertension are more susceptible to the effects of caffeine, caffeine's harmful effects may outweigh its protective effects and may increase the risk of death."

The study found that people with more frequent coffee consumption were more likely to be younger, current smokers, current drinkers, eat fewer vegetables, and have higher total cholesterol levels and lower systolic blood pressure (top number) regardless of the blood pressure category.

The benefits of green tea may be explained by the presence of polyphenols, which are micronutrients with healthy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in plants. The researchers noted that polyphenols may be part of the reason only coffee consumption was associated with an increased risk of death in people with severe high blood pressure despite both green tea and coffee containing caffeine.

Source: American Heart Association

  

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Premature And Delayed Ejaculation: What You Must Know

Premature ejaculation is one sexual health issue that many couples have had to deal with in recent times. But it is also an issue that is rarely discussed even by those genuinely suffering from it and this has given rise to misconceptions of what quick ejaculation really is and what it is not. There is this over-bloated claims, most times not true, of men who can go on for as long as thirty minutes or one hour and more on top of a woman; and when someone who lasts for just five minutes hears of such claims, he thinks he is suffering from premature ejaculation. But is that really the case? What in fact is premature ejaculation?

A study involving 500 couples found the average time for ejaculation was about 5-and-a-half minutes after starting sex. International guidelines define premature ejaculation as regularly ejaculating within 1 minute of entering your partner.

However, it's up to you and your partner to decide if you're happy with the time it takes you to ejaculate. If ejaculation times are causing you persistent distress then it's a problem that can be helped with treatment.

There are 2 types of premature ejaculation:

• primary premature ejaculation – where you have always had the problem
• secondary premature ejaculation (or "acquired premature ejaculation") – where you recently developed the problem

The causes of primary premature ejaculation are often psychological, such as having a traumatic sexual experience at an early age. Secondary premature ejaculation can be caused by both psychological and physical factors. Physical causes can include drinking too much alcohol and inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis).

If your premature ejaculation is caused by a physical condition, treating the underlying condition should help.

Treating premature ejaculation caused by psychological factors can be more challenging. But most men who persevere with treatment find the problem resolved at the end of the day.

There are a number of self-help techniques you can try before getting medical help.

These include:

• using a thick condom to help decrease sensation
• taking a deep breath to briefly shut down the ejaculatory reflex (an automatic reflex of the body, during which you ejaculate)
• having sex with your partner on top (to allow them to pull away when you're close to ejaculating)
• taking breaks during sex and distracting yourself by thinking about something completely different

You may also benefit immensely from having a couples therapy where  you will be encouraged to explore issues that may be affecting your sexual life and be given advice on how to resolve them. You may be shown creative techniques that can help you "unlearn" the habit of premature ejaculation.

Sexual dysfunction in various forms, including premature ejaculation, is often shrouded in mystery for many people—and it’s not because of a lack of scientific research.

This topic is usually swept under the rug since many men would rather uphold their sexual dignity than admit that they aren’t at their sexual A-game.

Unfortunately, this topic avoidance casts unfounded speculation and misinformation about genuine sexual health concerns in these men.

On top of that, there’s also a high prevalence of men suffering from sexual dysfunction around the world. For instance, premature ejaculation has a prevalence rate of 30% in men, the highest percentage in terms of sexual dysfunction prevalence rates, considerably more than erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

With such a large number of men suffering from this condition, a handful of which are doing so in silence, it’s vital to dispel any myths and unfounded “truths” about the subject to prevent any harmful assumptions from forming.

There are many myths and misconceptions about premature ejaculation (PE).

Myth #1: Only inexperienced men can suffer from premature ejaculation.

False. There’s a pervading stereotype that it’s only the young and naive who experience bouts of premature ejaculation. They may feel that rush of excitement and can’t help but orgasm a bit too soon for their partner’s liking. However, this phenomenon isn’t only limited to the young and inexperienced.

The first myth that needs to be dispelled is that premature ejaculation is a one-time occurrence. This, however, is untrue. Premature ejaculation is a medical condition that happens when a man consistently fails to control his ejaculation over six months. The severity differs from man to man, however, it’s often considered suitable for medical evaluation if it causes significant distress to the man and his partner.

With this new definition, it’s noted that men of all ages can have premature ejaculation. While older men are susceptible to erectile dysfunction and delayed orgasm at a higher relative frequency compared to younger men, it’s still a non-zero possibility for them to come down with this condition.

Myth #2: You have to learn to control your orgasm.

Generally, true. While delaying an orgasm isn’t easy for men suffering from this condition, there are methods and techniques, as explained earlier, you can apply to help you control your orgasm better.

Myth #3: Premature ejaculation is independent of erectile dysfunction.

False. While these two sexual dysfunction conditions present themselves differently, there is an established connection between PE and ED. In one recent study, people with premature ejaculation have a fourfold risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

One significant contributing factor to this is aging. Men over the age of 60 are at higher risk of developing a plethora of health conditions, like diabetes and heart diseases. This can also spill over to their sexual health, and it’s not an impossible occurrence for them to have multi-dimensional sexual health conditions.

Another contributing factor is the mental state of the patient, as people suffering from mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are also at risk of developing both symptoms.

Myth #4: Premature ejaculation is always a psychological problem.

False. While psychological factors can certainly contribute to PE, they are not always the root cause. There are two types of premature ejaculation that men can suffer from, and it’s important to distinguish them as while they may present similar symptoms, the treatment for each type will vary.

These types are:

1. Primary premature ejaculation: Often caused by psychological factors like performance anxiety or a history of sexual abuse.
2. Secondary premature ejaculation: Often a result of physiological factors or underlying health conditions, like excessive alcohol consumption or prostatitis.

In some cases, PE may be caused by physical factors such as an overly sensitive penis or hormonal imbalances. In these cases, it’s important to address the root cause of the condition to treat premature ejaculation.

But quick ejaculation is not the only sexual issue faced by couples. Delayed ejaculation, even though it is not as common as quick ejaculation, is also a problem in the bedroom. Delayed ejaculation — sometimes called impaired ejaculation — is a condition in which it takes an extended period of sexual stimulation for men to reach sexual climax and release semen from the penis (ejaculate). Some men with delayed ejaculation are unable to ejaculate at all.

Delayed ejaculation can be temporary or a lifelong problem. Possible causes of delayed ejaculation include certain chronic health conditions, surgeries and medications. Treatment for delayed ejaculation depends on the underlying cause.

It's normal for men to have delayed ejaculation from time to time. Delayed ejaculation is only a problem if it's ongoing or causes stress for you or your partner.

Some men with delayed ejaculation need 30 minutes or more of sexual stimulation to have an orgasm and ejaculate. Other men might not be able to ejaculate at all (anejaculation).

But, there's no specific time that indicates a diagnosis of delayed ejaculation. Instead, you are probably experiencing delayed ejaculation if the delay is causing distress or frustration, or if you have to stop sexual activity due to fatigue, physical irritation, loss of erection or a request from your partner.

In conclusion, it can be said that what matters is the satisfaction of the couple and not the duration of the sexual intercourse. Whether premature or delayed, it only becomes a problem when it is causing distress in the man or the woman or both. So long as a man can sustain an erection for up to three minutes and above, there is really nothing to bother about.

  

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Amazing Health Benefits Of The African Star Apple

The African star apple is a native fruit that grows in tropical countries of Africa like Nigeria and Uganda. It contains many nutrients that are beneficial for your health. Its scientific name is Chrysophyllum albidum, and it belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The African star apple trees bear ripe, yellow fruits from December to March.  

In Nigeria, the African star apple is known as Agbalumo in the southwest and Udara in the southeast. African star apple fruits are sweet and sour and are enjoyed by people of all ages. They can be eaten fresh or stewed. They have a pink-colored pulp that is used to make juice, jams, syrup, marmalade, and soft drinks. The oil from African star apple seeds is used for medicinal purposes, as it is rich in nutrients and natural antioxidants. 

What Is the Nutritional Content of African Star Apple?

African star apples are rich in water, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. 100 grams of fresh African star apple pulp contains: 

• 3.9 to 4.1 grams of protein
• 5.5 to 5.6 grams of fat
• 4.1 to 4.5 grams of fiber
• 8.0 to 10.4 grams of carbohydrates
• 116.5 to 122.6 calories 
• 666.21 to 700.81 milligrams of potassium
• 365.50 to 425.00 milligrams of calcium
• 211 to 228 milligrams of phosphorus
• 8.24 to 8.27 milligrams of zinc
• 86.80 to 99.63 milligrams of vitamin C
• 336.27 to 347.47 micrograms of beta-carotene, which forms vitamin A
• 2.23 to 2.29 milligrams of iron 

Apart from this, African star apples contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and E and antioxidants like flavonoids.

What Are African Star Apple Health Benefits?

In Nigeria, African star apples are often used as a home remedy and herbal treatment. They are used in medicine because of their beneficial properties:

• Antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help detoxify your body. They hunt for toxic molecules called free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage to your cells. African star apples contain antioxidants that get rid of free radicals and protect your organs from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory properties. African star apple fruits are abundant in anti-inflammatory substances like alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols. These reduce inflammation in your body and prevent long-term health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart problems.
• Antimicrobial properties. Lab studies have shown that extracts from African star apple seeds have antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, more studies are required to determine dosage and effect on humans.

Furthermore, the African star apple:

1. Improves heart health. African star apples are a rich source of natural antioxidants such as flavonoids and

vitamin E,

C, and A. They prevent oxidative damage of cells and promote heart health.

Studies have also shown that the African star apple contains glycosides. They are antioxidants that help fight heart disease. The fruit also contains low

levels of

sodium

 and high levels of

potassium,

which makes it a healthy snack for people with

high blood pressure.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent

heart disease

 and

stroke.

2. Helps manage and control diabetes. Evidence suggests that African star apple pulp can lower

blood sugar levels

 and act as an effective dietary supplement to manage diabetes. The fruit contains high amounts of fiber, which lowers blood sugar. It also contains natural

antioxidants that fight oxidative damage and prevent

diabetes.

African star apple also lowers the levels of enzymes such as alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase, which break down carbohydrates and increase blood sugar

levels. This suggests that the fruit can be consumed to help manage diabetes. 

3. Prevents cancer. A high-fiber and antioxidant-rich diet can prevent different types of cancer, such as

colorectal cancer.

Research shows that African star apples may play an important role in preventing the growth of cancerous cells. African star apples are rich in pectin,

a type of fiber, and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin E. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help prevent cancer growth. 

4. Lowers bad cholesterol levels. High levels of 

bad cholesterol

 can increase your risk of developing blockage in your arteries. This can lead to heart problems and stroke. Chrysophyllum albidum or African star apple

fruits contain compounds called saponins. They bind to bad cholesterol and prevent it from entering your bloodstream. African star apples also have high

levels of pectin or fiber, which improves

good cholesterol levels.

Research also shows that

vitamin C

 in food can increase the levels of good cholesterol. Snacking on African star apples can increase your vitamin C levels and, in turn, improve cholesterol levels.

  

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Deadly New COVID Variant Not Yet In Nigeria - NCDC

Amidst growing global apprehension over a resurgent of a deadly variant of COVID 19 in China and the refusal of the federal government of Nigeria to impose restrictions on travelers from that country, the  Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said the Omicron sub-variants partly responsible for the rise in COVID cases and deaths in other countries, have not yet been detected in Nigeria.

The agency, in its COVID genomic surveillance report published on Wednesday, said its emergency operations centre (EOC) is monitoring COVID trends in China, the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries with a high volume of traffic to and from Nigeria.

It said before the recent case increase in China and other countries, genomic surveillance has shown that the Omicron variant and its lineages continue to dominate in recorded infections worldwide.

The NCDC said while the rise in the new Omicron sub-lineages XBB.1.5 in the UK and the US, and BF.7 in China raises concern, they have not been detected in Nigeria.

“The sub-lineage seen with cases in China, B.5.2.1 and BF.7, are responsible for the surge in China and does not appear to be increasing unusually in other countries. The NCDC continues to strengthen genomic surveillance of the COVID-19 virus in Nigeria. Since the detection of the Omicron variant in December 2021, its sub-lineage (BQ.1/BQ.1.1) has been dominant in Nigeria,” the report read.

It went on to add:“None of these dominant sub-lineages in Nigeria that are also circulating elsewhere has been associated with any increases in case numbers, admissions, or deaths locally.

“The sub-lineages partly responsible for the current increase in COVID-19 cases in other countries i.e., XBB.1.5 and BF.7 have not yet been detected in the country but B.5.2.1 has been seen here since July 2022 and the others are most likely here already. BF.7 and XBB have also been circulating in South Africa since October 2022 but without any accompanying increase in cases, severe illness, or deaths.”

The agency said regardless of COVID variants in different parts of the world, unvaccinated people and those with established risk factors are vulnerable to severe disease and death.

It, therefore, asked Nigerians to get vaccinated as the vaccine is the most important intervention for preventing severe disease and hospitalization.

The development comes amid concerns over the federal government’s refusal to impose restrictions on travelers from China following a surge in the country’s COVID cases. Other countries that have imposed mandatory COVID tests on travelers from China include Ghana, the UK, Spain, France, Italy, the United States, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan and Malaysia.

 

  

 

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