One killed as new deadly disease surface in Nigeria

A new deadly disease known as Stephen
Johnson Syndrome (SJS), an unusual allergic
reaction, has surfaced in Nigeria, according to
the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole.
According to Adewole, the disease has killed one
person, while another is being treated at the
National Hospital Abuja. The health minister
announced the emergence of the new disease in
Nigeria at a press briefing in Abuja earlier
today...
A Senior Consultant Physician/Dermatologist
at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr.
Olanrewaju Falodun who spoke about the
disease, said
“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. 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. 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” he said.
He listed the symptoms of the SJS disease to
include fever, sore throat, running nose,
fatigue, general aches and pains, ulcers in
mouth, genitals, anal regions as well as
conjunctivitis.
According to him, the health complications of
the disease includes pigmentation problems,
skin scarring, scarred genitals, joint pains,
lung diseases, obstructive disorders and eye
complications, adhesions, ulcers, and
blindness.
He said the cause of the disease has not yet
been discovered in a quarter to half of cases
but that self-medications appeared to be one
of its causes. He advised Nigerians to avoid
misuse of drugs, while individuals with
previous drug reactions should always inform
healthcare practitioners.
The Minister of Health says efforts are now
being made to sensitize the public about the
disease
“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.”