7 STOREY BUILDING COLLAPSE IN NAIROBI

 

A seven-storey building has sunk into its foundation in Kware, Embakasi, Nairobi.

The incident occured Monday night, according to police.

Most families were evacuated but police say some people may still be trapped in the rubble.

According to the Embakasi police boss, 121 people have been accounted for.

Rescue efforts are under way.

Joas Nemati, a resident, explained that at 1pm on Monday workers and the caretaker of the building repaired a huge crack on one of the staircases and assured them the house was intact.

But at 6pm, Mr Nemati said, his wife called him saying tenants had been ordered to leave immediately as the building was coming down.

Police arrived at the scene and assisted in evacuating residents, but a woman and her three children refused to leave.

The whereabouts of the woman and the children remain unknown.

Dorothy Aoko, a tenant, was on Tuesday morning looking for her two children, aged 22 and 15, who she claimed might be trapped in the building.

The mother of five said two of her children were in the house having supper when the building came down.

The number of missing occupants is yet to be confirmed, the Kenya Red Cross said on its Twitter feed.

At 10.30am the excavation work was stopped to allow rescue personnel to check on a trapped survivor who had called for help.

Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, during a visit to the scene, said the building was not approved by the county.

Mr Kidero said over 30,000 buildings the city earmarked for demolition are yet to be brought down due to court orders.

The country has witnessed similar tragedies in the past. Last year, nearly 50 people died when a building collapsed in Huruma estate, Nairobi.

LEUKOPLAKIA

Leukoplakia is a condition that causes thick, plaque-like white patches on the tongue, gums, and lining of the mouth.Mouth irritants and irritating activities, such as smoking, often cause leukoplakia.                                                                                                                  Typically, cases of white patches in the mouth are harmless and symptoms resolve on their own. However, if the condition is leukoplakia, it can be associated with oral cancer.Leukoplakia is a condition that causes thick, plaque-like white patches on the tongue, gums, and lining of the mouth.

Mouth irritants and irritating activities, such as smoking, often cause leukoplakia. Typically, cases of white patches in the mouth are harmless and symptoms resolve on their own. However, if the condition is leukoplakia, it can be associated with oral cancer.

What is leukoplakia?

The World Health Organization (WHO) define leukoplakia as oral, white lesions of a questionable risk not related to any other non-serious conditions.

Leukoplakia is more of a clinical term than a specific condition, used to describe a wide range of white mouth sores.

Biopsy and testing are necessary to confirm true cases of leukoplakia.

The tests and terms that are used vary between different organizations.

Leukoplakia causes thick, raised, plaque-like white patches on the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Patches may also appear transparent or gray and usually have at least one area with a clear margin. Cracking may also occur.

Although they can be bothersome depending on the type, leukoplakia patches are often painless.

Commonly affected regions include:

• Inner lining of the cheeks
• Gums
• Bottom of the mouth under the tongue
• Tongue

In some cases, leukoplakia patches also affect other regions of the body aside from the mouth. Of these areas, the genitals are most frequently affected.

When to see a doctor

Many cases of white patches in the mouth go away on their own without any specific treatment aside from oral hygiene or stopping irritating activities.

However, if the white patch is leukoplakia, a long-lasting mouth lesion, it can sometimes signal serious health complications that require medical treatment.

Although it is not a cause of cancer, leukoplakia is thought to raise the risk of oral cancer. Oral tumors often form within persistent or severe leukoplakia patches. In many cases, ongoing leukoplakia has been found to be precancerous, a change in cells that occurs in the process of cancer development. Oral cancer develops over time and in stages. The most common oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.

According to WHO, more than 529,000 people throughout the world will be diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Most people who develop oral cancer are long-time smokers and over the age of 40.

People should see a doctor if they develop leukoplakia symptoms that include:

• White patches speckled with raised, red regions
• White lumps with dark or red patches
• Patches with an irregular or non-consistent texture
• Difficulty eating, swallowing, or moving the jaw
• Sores that last for more than 2 weeks without healing
• Changes to surrounding tissues in the mouth
• Ear pain or popping during swallowing

Researchers are still sorting the specifics of how and why leukoplakia occurs.

Chronic irritation seems to play a major role in most cases. Ongoing damage to oral tissues appears to cause them to enlarge, thicken, and often develop a substance called keratin.

Keratin is a protein crucial to the health of the outer layer of the skin. Keratin provides the structure for skin cells and protects them from injury and stress. The protein is also key to wound healing.

Small, white patches in the mouth are extremely common in response to minor injury and are typically not a sign of leukoplakia.

As with most health conditions, there is no single or definitive cause for leukoplakia. Tobacco use of any kind is considered to be the largest influencing factor in developing the condition.

In general, anything that causes damage or stress to the tissues of the mouth may be a risk factor for leukoplakia.

Factors that have been suggested to play a role in the condition include:

• prolonged or excessive tobacco use
• human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virus known to cause cervinal cancer
• conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, chemotherapy, and organ surgery
• conditions that cause ulcers or are related to them
• severe or frequent burning of mouth from hot liquids or foods
• excessive or prolonged use of abrasive oral products such as teeth whiteners and polishing devices
• poorly fitting dentures, braces, bite plates, or retainers
• jagged or rough teeth surfaces
• excessive or prolonged use of steroid inhalers without rinsing the mouth afterwards
• poor oral hygiene
• cheek or tongue biting
• excessive alcohol use
• chewing certain nuts and leafs, such as betel leaf and areca nut

Leukoplakia is often mistaken for a yeast infection given their similar appearance.

A type of leukoplakia called hairy leukoplakia is common among people with weakened immune systems. The condition causes leukoplakia patches that have a fuzzy appearance. Hairy leukoplakia lesions are painless.

Hairy leukoplakia is considered an early warning sign of an excessively stressed or weakened immune system. It can be the first physical symptoms of HIV and AIDS. Hairy leukoplakia is also linked to mononucleosis, or the Epstein-Barr virus.

A doctor will usually diagnose leukoplakia by ruling out all other potential causes. This often includes a physical exam and review of medical history.

If leukoplakia is suspected, biopsies will likely be performed to rule out cancer.

Commonly used biopsies to include:

• Oral brush biopsy: A small spinning brush collects cells from mouth patches for examination.
• Excisional biopsy: Patches are removed surgically for examination. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist often becomes involved in the treatment and monitoring of the case at this point.

If cancer is not uncovered, the first line of treatment recommended for most cases is to remove contributing factors, such as tobacco use. Good oral hygiene is also advised.

If the patches do not clear up on their own, they may be removed by a doctor, often with a with a scalpel.

Follow-up appointments are recommended frequently for ongoing cases and typically yearly for resolved cases. Leukoplakia recurrences are common.

When associated with conditions like HIV, antiviral medications may be prescribed.

If pre-cancerous or cancerous cells are discovered, additional testing measures will be necessary to determine the extent of the condition. Treatment is based on the type of cells present. Though it is difficult to accurately estimate, about 5 percent of oral leukoplakia cases are thought to lead to oral cancer.

Good oral hygiene and stopping activities that damage or stress the mouth lining are the easiest ways to manage and prevent leukoplakia.

Recommended ways to prevent leukoplakia and its complications include:

• avoiding tobacco products of any kind
• avoiding inhaled or smoked products including cannabis, cloves, and resin
• reducing or stopping alcohol consumption
• routine self and physician exams
• routine dental exams and cleaning
•  avoiding abrasive dental hygiene products, such as whiteners and rinses
• ensuring cavities are filed properly and not rough or uneven
•  ensuring dental devices, such as dentures and braces, fit well without rough or exposed edges
• keeping mouth wounds clean
• waiting for hot drinks or foods to cool before drinking
• avoiding candies or chewing products that have rough edges or cause mouth irritation
• eating a healthful, balanced diet to avoid nutrient imbalances or deficiencies
• avoiding foods that cause allergic reactions
• practicing safe sex, including the use of a condom or dental dam during oral intercourse

HERPETIC WHITLOW

Herpetic whitlow or whitlow finger is a painful infection that may cause other symptoms to show up. The infection may appear in adults or children, and there are several ways to treat it.

Herpetic whitlow is an infection created by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The infection produces a painful wound called a whitlow on the fingers.

Caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), herpetic whitlow occurs mostly on the fleshy part of the index finger or thumb. Sometimes herpetic whitlow can develop on the toes.

This article explores the symptoms, causes, and various treatment methods for this painful infection.

Symptoms

When the herpes simplex virus infection appears on the finger in the form of a whitlow, the symptoms are similar to herpes on other parts of the body:

•   Timing: The first symptoms usually appear 2-20 days after the person is exposed to the herpes simplex virus.
• Sensation: The infected area will burn or tingle, and the person may begin to experience pain before any noticeable lesion shows up.
• Infection: The finger will then begin to swell and redden as the infection develops. Blisters will appear and begin to fill with liquid or pus. There may be just one blister, or a group of them may develop. They are typically small and very painful to the touch.
•  Rupture: These blisters will then burst and scab over in the weeks to come. Once the scabs heal, the infection returns to its dormant state.

Other symptoms may appear at any time during the infection, including:

•  Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits or elbow area
•  A fever
• Red marks surrounding or leading away from the Whitlow

The sores that the infection creates may recur in some people over time. Whitlows will usually reappear in the same area as the primary infection.

There may be certain factors which trigger recurrent HSV infections, such as herpetic whitlow, including:

• Fever or Recurring illness
• Execessive stress
• Hormonal imbalance
• Excessive sun exposure
• Surgery
• Physical, mental, or emotional trauma

Recurrent infections will also typically follow a pattern similar to the primary infection. People will feel sensations of tingling, burning, or itching about 24 hours before the sores show up.

A recurrent infection usually lasts little more than a week and is not as strong as the primary infection. There may be fewer blisters during a recurrent infection, and those blisters may also be smaller and less painful.

Causes and risk factors

HSV is the virus that commonly causes cold sores and genital herpes. It is also the cause of herpetic whitlow.

There are two types of HSV; HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 infections usually occur around the face, in the mouth, nose or lips. HSV-2 infections typically involve the area around the genitals.

The infection can occur in men and women of all ages, though symptoms caused by HSV-1 appear to be more common in children and young adults.

Certain professionals may be more at risk for HSV-1 and complications, such as herpetic whitlow. These people may include medical or dental professionals and anyone who works in close collaboration with people who have the infection.

The rest of the population is commonly infected by HSV-2, often through sexual contact. People with weakened immune systems are more at risk for becoming infected with HSV.

Herpetic whitlow is very contagious. Infections are easily spread by coming into direct contact with the infected sores or blisters of someone with herpetic whitlow. A person can also infect themselves if they touch one of their own cold sores or genital herpes sores with their fingers.

It is vital that the whitlow is treated properly. Unchecked whitlows put a person at risk for superinfections or conditions, such as herpetic encephalitis, which is a herpes infection in the brain.

Treatment

Antiviral medications are often used to treat herpetic whitlow. These antivirals are effective in reducing the duration of symptoms in the primary infection as well as in recurrent infections.

It is crucial to begin antiviral treatment within the first 48 hours of any symptoms occurring. Using an antiviral to treat herpetic whitlow after the initial 48 hours will likely have little effect.

Antiviral treatment is used to help reduce the healing time and time spent in pain. Antiviral treatment may also reduce the risk for the virus to spread to other parts of the body.

However, if the person does not take antiviral medications, the whitlow will heal itself over a few weeks without any drugs.

Antiviral agents that are commonly used to treat herpetic whitlow include:

• Oral valacyclovir
• Oral acyclovir
• Oral famciclovir
• Topical acyclovir ointment
• Analgesics to numb pain

Antiviral medications are typically used for 1-2 weeks or until the infection clears up. In cases where the whitlow develops a secondary bacterial infection, antibiotics may also be necessary.

On rare occasions, where people have severe recurrent outbreaks, a doctor may prescribe suppressive medications. People should take these suppressive antiviral medications daily to try to decrease outbreaks.

It is important to note that antiviral medications can help treat an HSV outbreak, such as a herpetic whitlow, but they do not prevent future outbreaks. Antiviral drugs are not a treatment for HSV itself, only the symptoms.

Caring for and avoiding herpetic whitlow

People can support the recovery of herpetic whitlow in the home through a few different methods:

• Covering the infection: Lightly covering the infected area can help keep the virus from spreading. It is also important for people to refrain from popping or draining the blisters. This can cause the virus to spread even further or cause a secondary infection.
• Being hygienic: People should follow proper hygiene at all times, especially after coming into contact with the whitlow. People working in the medical or dental field should always follow basic hygiene rules and work with gloves whenever possible to protect themselves and other people.
• Switching to glasses: People who wear contacts may want to switch to glasses until the infection heals to avoid it spreading to the eyes. Many people take over the counter drugs or use ice packs to lessen the pain of the whitlow as well.
• Preventing spread: Avoiding contact with lesions is an important step in keeping the virus from spreading.
• Telling key people: People with HSV should also tell any medical or dental professional who works close to them about the virus so they can take measures to avoid it.

Outlook for herpetic whitlow

Herpes simplex virus can remain inactive in the nerve cells for a time, and may or may not cause symptoms.

In some cases, people never have a recurring whitlow. In others, whitlows often return and require regular treatment.

It is best for people to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a qualified health care professional. Together they can work out a plan that fits the person's individual needs and makes treatment as comfortable as possible.

KOGI DOCTORS RESUME STRIKE

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Kogi has directed its members to resume a strike they suspended two weeks ago. 

The association said in a statement after an emergency congress in Lokoja on Saturday that the resumption of the strike was informed by government’s alleged failure to fulfill its promises to meet their demands. Dr Godwin Tijani, the chairman of the association in Kogi, said the decision was for the entire doctors to resume strike since their demands were being ignored by the state government.

According to him, the state government has failed to honour the agreement in spite of its assurance after the stakeholders’ intervention.

“It is really unfortunate that we have found our self in this mess. We respected all the stakeholders who wanted the progress of the Kogi health sector, but the government is putting deaf ears into our demands.

“We have had several promises of salary alerts for the past one week without success; consequently, the Kogi NMA hereby directs all its members to resume strike as from 12 a.m on June 5, 2017,’’ Tijani stated.

The doctors’ demands include reinstatement and payment of the salaries and arrears of doctors employed in 2015 and correction and payment of arrears of doctors underpaid, among others. NMA had earlier suspended its 11-day old strike on May 13 to give room for dialogue with state government.

NIGERIAN DOCTOR BANNED FROM PRACTICE IN THE UK OVER SEXUAL HARASSMENT ACCUSATION

The UK medical association banned the Nigerian medical practitioner Chris Uzoh after he was found guilty of sexually harassing a patient.

- He began sending a flurry of love messages and voice notes after meeting the patient at a one-time consultation for abdominal pain

- The 40-year-old father-of-two has since fled the United Kingdom to Canada after being indicted of wrongdoing.

A Nigerian medical practitioner in the United Kingdom, Dr. Chris Uzoh, has found himself on the wrong side of the law.

The 40-year-old doctor has been banned from practicing for a period of one year after he was called out by his patient over unsolicited sexual advances.

According to Daily Mail UK, the patient had previously booked an appointment with Dr. Uzoh to treat abdominal pain after which she began to receive a flurry of text and voice messages from the doctor.

NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION URGES PRESIDENT BUHARI TO DISCLOSE HEALTH STATUS

The Nigerian Medical Association has called on President Muhmmadu Buhari to disclose his health status to Nigerians.

The President of the NMA, Professor Mike Ogirima, who stated this while speaking with newsmen said Buhari’s disclosure of his health status would douse tension and rumours about his well-being.

Ogirima described Buhari as the number one public servant and the father of the nation, adding that he had his rights and privileges.

He also faulted the management of the information concerning Buhari. Many Nigerians, including Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, had asked the President to disclose the state of his health to Nigerians. Soyinka, at a press conference in Lagos on April 28, said Buhari’s failure to publicly disclose his state of health had increased political manipulations in the country.

On his part, a former governor of the old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, said the way forward on the controversy surrounding the health of the President was for the Senate to constitute a board of inquiry to look into the issue.

Also, the Campaign for Democracy said the President should properly hand over power to the Vice-President and seek further medical treatment abroad.

In his response, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the position of the NMA was an opinion that could not be taken as the gospel.

NSCDC SUSPENDS TWO OPERATIVES FOR HARASSING MEDICAL DOCTOR.

Authorities of the Bayelsa State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended two of its operatives for harassing a medical doctor in Yenegoa, the state capital.

Their suspension came after the conclusion of an investigation into an allegation that two of its operatives harassed a medical doctor, Bekewari Sampou, by shooting at his car.The incident, which happened on April 28, this year, involving two civil operatives, Akpoghomhe Jude and Ogodo Richman, had generated public concern. The uproar that followed the incident necessitated the setting up of a seven-man committee, headed by NSCDC’s Head of Intelligence and Investigation Department, Anyanwu G.C., with the mandate to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the incident. The state Commandant, Desmond Agu, said following the report of the committee, Akpoghomhe was indicted and subsequently suspended from service.

Agu spoke at the Command’s headquarters in Yenagoa when a Pan-African group, Initiative for Positive Influence on African Youth (IPIAY) bestowed him with a distinguished leadership merit award.

He said the corps would never condone indiscipline, especially the misuse of firearms by its officers and men. He said following the meeting between the executive members of the Nigerian Medical Association and the NSCDC, the corps resolved to compensate the victim.Agu warned officers and men of the corps to desist from any act that could tarnish the image of NSCDC.The commandant said it was an honour to be remembered for an award by IPIAY, whose membership cut across most African countries.

Earlier, IPIAY’s Head of Mission, David Christophe, described Agu as a rare gem, administrative icon, a man of outstanding understanding and a true son of Africa.Christophe, a Togolese, who led Kwase Kudjoe (Ghana), Esther Okeke (Cameroun), Gabriel Kamoya (Kenya), Semira Ikhina (Benin Republic) and Paul Mathew (Nigeria) to give the commandant’s office, said the group was founded to identify selfless leaders, whose styles were in line with Pan-Africanism and encourage them.