The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has announced a ban on the sale of Dex Luxury bar soap due to Butyphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA) content.
This was contained in a post on the Agency’s X handle on Thursday, April 11.
The post reads: “Public Alert No. 012/2024.Ban on the sale of Dex Luxury Bar Soap due to Butyphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA) content.”
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that a total of 164 suspected cases of unknown illness and four deaths have been reported in six wards of Isa local government area of Sokoto State.
The director-general of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, who disclosed this at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, said the affected wards include Bargaja (22), Isa North (17), Isa South (98), Tozai (12), Tsabre (4), and Turba (11). Unfortunately, four deaths have been recorded amongst the suspected cases.
He said, „The NCDC was notified by the Sokoto State Ministry of Health on March 21, 2024, of reported cases of children presenting with symptoms which include abdominal distension due to rapid onset of fluids in the abdomen (ascites), fever, vomiting and weight loss from Isa Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.
„Most of these cases are children aged 4 – 13 years, including some adults. The patients came from different wards and settlements across the LGA.“
Idris informed that two suspected cases are currently receiving care in Uthman Dan Fodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto and one case discharged on account of improved symptoms, adding that four other suspected cases are also on admission at the Isa General Hospital.
He said about 130 cases are also receiving care either within the Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC) or home care in the affected LGA.
On the causes of the illness, the DG said initial clinical assessment and investigations of the cases admitted at the Teaching Hospital ruled out an infectious origin of this event, necessitating the need to search for other causes, including heavy metal testing.
Results of the initial test for heavy metals for the index and first few suspected cases, revealed different blood levels of lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr).
Observed activities in the affected communities include mining, agricultural practices which involve the use of various types of chemicals and pesticides, the health-seeking behavior and practices of the communities which may be detrimental to people’s health.
„In this regard, various samples of materials have also been taken and dispatched for analyses, including blood, abdominal fluids, environmental samples like soil and water, locally grown food produce including vegetables and grains, substances and ingredients used for food and drinks, pesticides and chemicals used in local guns,“ he said.
The NCDC boss recalled that a similar incident was previously documented in 2023, also without a definitive diagnosis.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder striking women during reproductive years, often commencing in adolescence. Characterized by hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and ovarian cysts, PCOS poses challenges to fertility and overall well-being. While incurable, its symptoms can be managed through lifestyle adjustments, medications, and fertility treatments.
PCOS a significant public health problem and is one of the commonest hormonal disturbances affecting women of reproductive age. The condition affects an estimated 8–13% of women of reproductive age, and up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed.
Also it represents a significant public health concern, impacting millions of women globally, yet a substantial portion remains undiagnosed. Certain ethnic groups face heightened risks and complications, especially concerning metabolic health. The syndrome’s multifaceted effects, intertwined with obesity and infertility, can precipitate mental health struggles and societal stigma.
Symptoms
Causes
The World Health Organization (WHO) collaborates with member states and partners to tackle PCOS, emphasizing awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. Research initiatives seek to enhance infertility prevention and care, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services worldwide.
Polycystic ovary syndrome, a complex interplay of hormonal dysregulation and metabolic disturbances, poses significant challenges to women’s health and reproductive rights. Heightened awareness, coupled with comprehensive healthcare strategies, is essential in mitigating its far-reaching impacts and empowering affected individuals worldwide.
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer affecting women worldwide, with Nigeria having one of the world’s highest age-standardized mortality rates and the highest in Africa. According to GLOBOCAN 2020, breast cancer is reported as the most common cause of cancer-related death in Nigeria, accounting for 14,274 (18.1%) of all cancer deaths. This insidious disease not only threatens lives but also profoundly impacts the physical and emotional well-being of those it afflicts. Understanding the symptoms and available treatments is crucial in the fight against this formidable adversary.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The early detection of breast cancer is paramount, as it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Common symptoms include the presence of a lump or thickening in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge or inversion, and skin changes such as redness or puckering. Regular self-examinations and routine mammograms are essential in identifying these warning signs.
Advances in Treatment
Fortunately, the medical community has made remarkable strides in the treatment of breast cancer. Depending on the stage and characteristics of the disease, a combination of approaches may be employed, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Surgical options range from lumpectomies to mastectomies, while advancements in radiation and chemotherapy have improved their efficacy and reduced side effects.
The Power of Early Detection
The key to overcoming breast cancer lies in early detection and proactive intervention. Women are encouraged to perform regular self-examinations, undergo routine mammograms, and consult with healthcare professionals at the first sign of any abnormalities. By staying vigilant and embracing the latest medical advancements, we can collectively work towards a future where breast cancer is a manageable and treatable condition.
United States President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19.
A statement by the White House said the President on Thursday morning tested positive for COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated and twice boosted.
He is said to be experiencing very mild symptoms.
“He has begun taking Paxlovid. Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.
“He has been in contact with members of the White House staff by phone this morning, and will participate in his planned meetings at the White House this morning via phone and Zoom from the residence.
Consistent with White House protocol for positive COVID cases, which goes above and beyond CDC guidance, he will continue to work in isolation until he tests negative. Once he tests negative, he will return to in-person work,” the statement said.
The White House, the statement said, will provide a daily update on the President’s status as he continues to carry out the full duties of the office while in isolation.
“Per standard protocol for any positive case at the White House, the White House Medical Unit will inform all close contacts of the President during the day today, including any Members of Congress and any members of the press who interacted with the President during yesterday’s travel.
“The President’s last previous test for COVID was Tuesday, when he had a negative test result,” the statement said.
As the city of Xian in northwest China, with a population of 13 million, enters its eighth day of lockdown in an effort to manage the current cluster of COVID-19 infections, many residents are running out of food.
According to the National Health Commission, 156 new locally transmitted cases were registered nationally on Wednesday, up from 151 the day before.
155 of them were in Xian, while one was in Guangxi’s southern region.
On Wednesday, 51 imported cases were discovered in addition to the local transmissions.
Since December 9, 1,117 cases have been reported in Xian, which has a population of 13 million people.
A new round of mass testing began at 10 a.m. on Thursday, and all public activities in the city, which is famous for its Terracotta Warriors, have been prohibited.
At a news conference on Wednesday, Zhang Fenghu, a city government official, said, “Xian has reached a live-or-die stage in its fight against the virus,”
Despite the low case count in Xian compared with many clusters overseas, officials have imposed tough curbs on travel within and out of the city since Dec. 23, as Beijing demands each outbreak be contained quickly.
Many residents have been prohibited from leaving their homes unless they are taking COVID-19 tests or attending to essential matters as determined by local authorities.
These restrictions have limited access to basic necessities, leaving many people reliant on deliveries rather than going out to shop.
According to a Xian government official on Wednesday, the limits have resulted in a staffing shortage at organisations responsible for assuring the supply of basic essentials, and the government is working to resolve the problem.
(With inputs from agencies)
Federal Capital Territory, Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has tested positive to COVID-19.
The minister disclosed this on his official facebook page on Friday. He said; “I have tested positive for COVID-19″
The Minister experienced some mild symptoms of sore throat, feverish feeling, and mild running nose from 28th December and went for a COVID-19 test. The result returned positive in the early hours of Friday, 31ST December 2021.
The Minister who said he remains in high spirits, is isolating and receiving treatment at home and is currently doing fine.
Malam Bello said that the medical personnel attending to him informed him that his case is mild because he has taken two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Malam Bello while appealing to those who are yet to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so, commended all medical personnel in the FCT and beyond for their front line role in the containment of the virus.
The Federal Government is set to restrict airlines coming from Canada, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia into Nigeria from Tuesday, December 14, 2021.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on Sunday in Lagos, according to NAN.
The government took the decision to reciprocate restricted flights from Nigeria into those countries over the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.
Sirika stated that countries that placed travel ban on Nigeria due to the Omicron Covid-19 variant lacked a moral right to have their airlines fly into Nigeria on commercial operations.
Sirika said, “President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration would also place the United Kingdom, Canada and Saudi Arabia on a red list over the outbreak and spread of the Omicron variant.
“There is also the case of Saudi Arabia that put Nigeria on the ban list. On Sunday, I participated in a meeting with the COVID-19 task force.
“We have given our input that it is not acceptable by us and we recommended that those Nations, Canada, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Argentina also be put on the red list.
“As they did to us, if they do not allow our citizens into their countries; who are they coming, as airlines, to pick from our country? They are not supposed to come in. I am very sure in the next three days; Monday or Tuesday, all those countries will be put on the red list of COVID-19,”
He stressed that airlines of the affected countries remained banned and the countries placed on Nigeria’s red list.
Sirika apologised to Nigerians intending to travel to those countries but said the Nigerian government’s decision was in the interest of the country.
The decision was taken following an increase in the number of cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 across the world. The UK is the third country to impose a travel ban on Nigeria after Canada and Singapore.
The Association of Residents Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urged the Federal Government to re-enforce the national guidelines for COVID-19, to secure the nation and Nigerians against the dreaded Omicron variants.
The Chapter President, Dr. Nnamdi Nd-Ezuma, who made the call in Abuja urged the government to list some of the endemic countries so that passengers coming into Nigeria from those countries would be properly screened. He said government should also ban travel for Nigeria to the affected countries.
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Ezuma lamented that the COVID-19 protocols have been relaxed to the level that people are no more complying with the non-pharmaceutical measures put in place by the government.
“We have a new COVID-19 variant that is in South Africa and if it is in South Africa, your guess is as good as mine that Nigeria is not so far from it.
There were some set down rules that were laid before now; travel bans and restrictions, use of face mask, avoidance of overcrowding.
Even those that have been vaccinated are still being infected. When the virus was still in China, at a point, we had to shut down our boarders and now it is in South Africa. Government should look into it,” he said.
EU officials holding an emergency meeting over a threatening new Covid variant first detected in southern Africa agreed on Friday to urge all 27 nations in the bloc to impose travel restrictions from that region.
“Member States agreed to introduce rapidly restrictions on all travel into the EU from 7 countries in the Southern Africa region: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe,” European Commission spokesman Eric Mamer tweeted.
