ZIKA VIRUS IN NIGERIA?

INTRODUCTION

Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. It is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. People with Zika virus disease usually have a mild fever, skin rash (exanthema) and conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

 

Genre: Flavivirus

Vector: Aedes mosquitoes (which usually bite during the morning and late afternoon/evening hours)

Reservoir: Unknown

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.

Recently in Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in Zika virus infections in the general public as well as an increase in babies born with microcephaly (small heads) in northeast Brazil which is yet to be discovered in Nigeria. However, more investigation is needed before we understand the relationship between microcephaly in babies and the Zika virus. Other potential causes are also being investigated.

 

TRANSMISSION

Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. No clinical case has being discovered in Nigeria but these Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are present in Nigeria which causes yellow fever (Fagbami AH et al., Niger Med J. 1976).

DIAGNOSIS

Zika virus is diagnosed through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and virus isolation from blood samples.

PREVENTION

Mosquitoes and their breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection. Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people.

This can be done by using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets.

It is also important to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots or tyres, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed.

Special attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly.

During outbreaks, health authorities may advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out.

TREATMENT

Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.

IS ZIKA VIRUS IN NIGERIA?

            Recently, Minister for Health in Nigeria, Prof. Isaac Adewole while defending the 2016 budget of the Ministry told Nigerians to put minds of Nigerians at ease when he said the incurable disease poses little threat to Nigerians based on an essay by A.H Fagbami. A study of Zika virus infections was carried out in four communities in Oyo State, Nigeria and virus isolation studies between 1971-1975 resulted two cases of mild febrile illness. The essay further explained that Haemagglutination-inhibition tests showed a high level of antibodies to Zika virus and three other Flavi-viruses: Zika virus (31%), Yellow fever (50%), west Nile (46%). 

             In conclusion, it means that the immunity of the body is adequately prepared to combat the virus in case of any infection.

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Cow on the Loose!!!

A cow briefly escaped from a Queens slaughterhouse, running free through the city’s busy streets before being corralled in a nearby parking lot by employees and New York City police officers, authorities said Police received the call around 12:20 p.m. from a halal slaughterhouse on 165th Street in the Jamaica neighborhood.
The brazen cow escaped down 165th Street, made a left onto Archer Avenue and ran a few blocks before heading into a parking lot, police said.
Employees from the slaughter house were able to secure the cow and take it back into custody.

The NYPD’s 103 precinct tweeted to let the public know that no officers were injured as they apprehended the cow.
“Yes, you heard right! Cow on the loose-Jamaica Queens. AllOfficers safe,” the tweet said.

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Five Fun Facts for Squirrel Appreciation Day

Five Fun Facts for Squirrel Appreciation Day

January 21 marks Squirrel Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and protecting our favorite bushy-tailed critters. We've pulled together five of our favorite fun facts to pay tribute to our squirrel friends:
1. With hundreds of different species, squirrels are found in nearly every
environment on Earth.
2. Certain squirrel species can sniff out
food buried underneath a foot of snow.
3. The average squirrel will lose up to a
quarter of its food stash. While the animal kingdom's hungry thieves play a big role in this staggering loss, many squirrels simply forget where they stashed their bountiful feast.
4. In an attempt to throw off would-be
food thieves, some squirrels have been
observed fake-burying nuts, leaving
behind a trail of empty caches before
actually stashing their precious snack.
5. Squirrels have been known to make
"jerky" by leaving hanging pieces of
mushroom out to dry.
Source: Discovery

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Brain teaser

What is the name of the animal under these lines?

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Know the gestation period of your animal

Mammal Gestation period (days)
Alpaca 335-366
Baboon 187
Bear ( black ) 220 [7]
Bear ( grizzly ) 215
Bear ( polar ) 241
Beaver 122
American Bison 217
Camel ( Bactrian ) 360-420
Cat ( domestic ) 58–67, Average 64
Chimpanzee 230–250
Chinchilla 105–115 [8]
Chipmunk 31
Cow 279–292
Deer ( white-tailed ) 201
Dog ( domestic ) 58–65, Average 61
Donkey 365
Walrus 456
Elephant ( Asian ) 617
Elephant ( African) 645
Elk ( Wapiti) 240–250
European mink 38-76 [8]
Ferret ( domestic ) 41-42 [8]
Fox ( red) 52
Gerbil 22-26 [8]
Giraffe 420–450
Goat ( domestic ) 145–155
Gorilla 255-260
Guinea pig 56-74 [8]
Hamster 16-23
Hippopotamus 225–250
Horse 330–342
Human 259-280
Kangaroo 42
Leopard 92–95
Lion 108
Llama 330
Mink 40–75
Monkey ( rhesus ) 164
Moose 240–250
Mouse ( domestic white) 19
Mouse ( meadow ) 21
Muskrat 28–30
Opossum (Virginia) 12–13
Otter 60-86
Pig ( domestic ) 112–115
Porcupine 210
Puma 90
Rabbit ( domestic ) 28–35, Average 31-32 [8]
Raccoon 63
Rat 21-23 [9]
Rhinoceros ( black ) 450
Seal 330
Sea lion ( California) 350
Sheep ( domestic ) 144–151
Squirrel ( gray ) 30–40
Tiger 105–113
Whale ( sperm ) 480–590
Wolf 60–68
Wombat 26–28
Zebra ( Grant's ) 361-390

Source: wikipedia

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Pregnant Women Face Higher Risk Of Lassa Fever

With the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in Nigeria, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) on Friday, January 15, 2016 has
urged awareness of Lassa fever in pregnancy and its prevention.
Focusing on the effect of Lassa fever on pregnancy, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa said that pregnant women, especially those in the third trimester of pregnancy, face a higher risk of contracting the disease.
According to the organization, it causes mortality in 95 per cent of cases. As studies have indicated, the increased likelihood of mortality at this stage of pregnancy is due to immunosuppression associated with the third trimester of
pregnancy.
The Lassa virus causing fever can be transmitted through contact with an infected rodent or contact with the bodily
secretions of an infected person, including mother-to-child transmission and consumption of infected food items.
The foundation, led by Toyin Saraki, the wife of the Senate president, emphasised the importance of hand-washing and
rodent control, while warning against contact with infected bodily fluids to prevent Lassa fever.

The disease has already claimed at least 41 lives from the nearly 100 reported cases in at least ten states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The foundation has released info-graphics and behaviour-change indicators to equip the general public with critical information that can potentially save lives.
In light of the prodigious threat posed by Lassa fever to an already fragile public healthcare system, the Wellbeing
Foundation Africa also aims to facilitate capacity building for healthcare workers, especially in the areas of reproductive,
maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, in order to minimize morbidities and mortalities resulting from the disease.
Source: naij.com

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Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association Press Release on Avian Influenza

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza(HPAI) or Bird flu caused by the H5N1 strain of the virus affects wild birds and domestic poultry in which it causes very high mortality. The disease has been reported
in several countries of the world. In Nigeria, the first and previous outbreak occurred in 2006 - 2008 until the current resurgence. In Nigeria, bird flu is of grave concern for at least three reasons:
Firstly, the poultry industry in Nigeria is estimated be worth over 700 billion naira, contributing about 25% of the agricultural GDP. A disease such as bird flu that is highly fatal and capable of decimating the poultry population, therefore,has the potential to adversely affect the country's economy.
Secondly, the poultry industry also employs an estimated 25 million people in Nigeria. If it is not contained, bird flu would place the jobs of a huge segment of the populace in jeopardy and exacerbate the already dire unemployment situation in the country with the attendant socio-economic consequences.
Thirdly, bird flu is a zoonotic disease, that is , it affects both animals and humans. While bird flu causes nearly 100% mortality in poultry, the mortality rate in humans is also high, ranging between 60-70%.
During the 2006 outbreak, a lady infected with the virus died in Lagos. While there are concerns on trying to limit the spread and stop the transmission from poultry to humans, the greater concern is on ensuring that the virus does not mutate into a form that can be transmitted from human to human.

The current outbreak was first reported from a commercial farm in Kano on 24th December, 2014 and a live bird market at Onipanu in Lagos on 8th January 2015. This was confirmed by the National
Veterinary Research Institute, Vom. As at yesterday, 18th February, the disease has been confirmed in 17 states nationwide. These are Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, Plateau, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Oyo,
Jigawa, Kaduna, Bauchi, Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto and Anambra.
The confirmed cases are from 146 poultry farms, 10 live bird markets and 1 zoological garden spread in 61 local government areas. There has not been any reported case of bird flu so far in humans in the country and all human samples have so far tested
negative.

Clinical signs in poultry.
While stressing that bird flu can only be confirmed from samples analysed in the laboratory, it is helpful to note that affected birds usually show signs of ruffled feathers, sneezing, coughing, drop in egg production, bluish comb and wattles, and high mortality.

Prospects for containment.

Despite the grim implications of bird flu resurgence in Nigeria, the prospects for its containment are bright. Firstly, less than 1% of the country's estimated 140 million poultry population is infected. We
also do not have a single human case so far. The experience, technical manpower, facilities and support used in containing the 2006 outbreak is accessible. Fortunately, the strong political will as
demonstrated in the swift and dynamic response of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina as well as the synergy created by relevant stakeholders
such as Development partners, poultry farmers, veterinary doctors, the media, animal scientists, human medical doctors,and so on, provide huge potential for early containment of the disease. To this end, the N.V.M.A wishes to make the following recommendations:
1. The public should not panic.
2.Cases of ill health in poultry should be reported immediately to
the nearest veterinary clinic.
3.Poultry farms should ensure strict monitoring and restriction of movement of people and items such as crates, bags and so on especially between farms. There should also be strict hygiene before and after handling poultry.
4.The Avian Influenza Control Project structures in various states should be strengthened and equipped to,carry out public enlightenment, surveillance, depopulation, disinfection and so on.
State governments in particular should invest more in providing and upgrading veterinary infrastructure.
5. Active surveillance should be carried out immediately through out the country even in states where the disease has not been reported. This is to facilitate movement ahead of the virus.
6. More Veterinary Doctors should be employed by government. The
situation in some states that have less than 10 Veterinary Doctors in their service is inimical to both animal and public health. Such states cannot effectively implement effective health service delivery and control of diseases like bird flu.
7. More Veterinary hospitals, clinics and laboratories should be constructed while existing ones should be rehabilitated and
equipped. Specifically, the N.V.R.I laboratory in Vom and its zonal branches should be supported to enhance the capacity for quick and accurate diagnosis of bird flu and other diseases. Development partners should lend their support in these regard.
8. Standard operational procedures for poultry business should be re-designed and implemented.
9.The Animal Disease (Control) Decree No.10 of 1988 should be reviewed and streamlined to suite contemporary realities.
10.The N.V.M.A has weighed the scientific and other arguments concerning the use of vaccines and is of the opinion that for now, the current government policy against vaccination as a strategy in
control of bird flu should be sustained.
11.While commending the federal government for the payment of
compensation to farmers whose farms have been depopulated, more funds should be provided to facilitate the exercise to other farmers whose poultry have also been depopulated.
12.Poultry meat and eggs should be hygienically processed and, if well - cooked, is safe for human consumption.

Conclusion.
We call on all Veterinary Doctors to consider the current resurgence of bird flu as a professional challenge and rise to the occasion for the development of our people and our country. Veterinarians
should be more dedicated, innovative, resilient and adhere to the highest professional ethics and standards.
By the grace of God and working together as a nation, bird flu will also be conquered like Ebola.

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