New deadly disease kills one in Nigeria

The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health in a statement by the honorable minister of health, Issac Adewole, has revealed that there is a new disease in Nigeria known as Stephen Johnson Syndrome (SJS) which has claimed one life and another presently undergoing treatment at the National Hospital Abuja.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, on Friday, Mr. Adewole said the health condition known as Stephen Johnson Syndrome (SJS) was an unusual allergic reactions in Nigeria and some parts of Europe.

He said, “We have to find a means to communicate with Nigerians,so they should all be aware of this dangerous disease and it is the sole business of government to enlighten the society by trying to increase their awareness, knowledge and to improve their quality way of life.”

A Senior Consultant Physician/Dermatologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Olanrewaju Falodun shed more light on the disease and the cases being handled in his hospital.

“Stephens Johnson Syndrome, is an immune complex mediated hypersensitivity reaction that typically involves the skin and mucous membranes and was first described in 1922 by Albert Stevens and Frank Johnson,” .
Dr. Falodun also said that SJS is a rare and unpredictable reaction, and is also a minor form of toxic epidermal necrolysis with less than 10 percent body surface area involvement, the consultant said.

“SJS is a rare but serious and potentially life-threatening contagious drug reaction. Incidence of SJS is estimated between 1.1 and 7.1 cases per million per year and is more prevalent in women than men. Incidence in Europe is two per million per year”.

SJS symptoms includes fever, sore throat, running nose, fatigue, general aches and pains, ulcers in mouth, genitals, anal regions as well as conjunctivitis.

The health complications, Mr. Falodun said, are pigmentation problems, skin scarring, scarred genitals, joint pains, lung diseases, obstructive disorders and eye complications, adhesions, ulcers, and blindness.

Dr. Falodun advised Nigerians to avoid misuse of drugs, while individuals with previous drug reactions should always inform healthcare practitioners so that in future they would be able to predict who is at risk of the disease using genetic screening.

Source: Premium Times