The Minister of Health,Prof. Isaac Adewole who announced the outbreak of the disease at a news conference in Abuja, said the disease had killed one person.
He added that another person affected by the disease was responding to treatment at the National Hospital, Abuja.
He urged Nigerians not to panic, saying the Federal Government was putting all measures in place to check the outbreak.
The minister described the health condition as
an unusual allergic reaction to medications found in Nigeria and some parts of Europe.
A Senior Consultant Physician/Dermatologist at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Olanrewaju Falodun confirmed that the disease has killed a Nigerian while another is currently undergoing treatment.
Here’s everything Nigerians needs to know about the deadly disease Stephen Johnson Syndrome(SJS).
★What is Stevens-Johnson syndrome?
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare and serious condition of the skin and mucus membranes. SJS will cause it patient to lose up to 10% of the outer layer of skin. It's usually caused by a negative reaction and allergy to certain medications. The most common medications are antibiotics, NSAIDs and anti-seizure drugs.
The response may happen 1 week to 2 months after the intake of the medication. SJS may also be caused by infection, vaccinations, or diseases involving body organs or entire body.
★Signs and symptoms of SJS!
Feverish conditions and chills up to 2 weeks before symptoms of skin reaction. Patient may also experience cough and sore throat, headache and body aches, and unusual body fatigue and tiredness.
★Skin Symptoms May Include The Following:
*.Painful mouth sores that may cause difficulties in swallowing or breathing
*.Sores that look like targets
*.Painful blisters on your skin, eyes, or even genitals.
*.Sunburn appearing on skin once the top layer falls off
★How is SJS diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider may diagnose SJS when he sees your skin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been taking any medicines recently. A sample of your skin may be taken and sent for tests to check for SJS.
★Treatment Measures Of SJS.
The first step of SJS treatment is to prevent symptoms from getting worse.
All medications that may have caused the symptoms of SJS must be stopped and discontinued.
Below are some Common measures to prevent symptoms from getting worse:
*.Antacids may be needed if sores grow in your stomach and cause bleeding.
*.Antibiotics may be given to cleanse the blood of infections and also applied on the skin to reduce spread of infection.
*.Eye drops may be applied to the affected eyes to heal sores and also prevent infections.
*.Pain killers may also be prescribed to reduce body pains.
*.Immune globulin may be given also to revitalize the patient's immune system. You may need immune globulin to treat or prevent an infection.
*.Pressors may be given to stabilize the pressure of blood flow in cases of abnormal blood pressure, either high or low blood pressure as a normal blood pressure is essential for protection of the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and other organs as well.
★What treatments may be used for SJS?
*.Hydrotherapy may be carried out in a whirlpool to help clean the wounds and remove dead tissue from the skin.
*.Physical therapy may be needed to facilitate arm and leg movements if patients have to stay bedridden.
*.TPN is prescribed if patient experience difficulty in eating and food digestion, it's a liquid nutrition that provides your body with protein, sugar, vitamins, minerals, and sometimes fat(lipids).
★How can the symptoms of SJS be managed?
*.If patient have mouth sores, they may be directed to use special toothbrush or swab. *. patients may also be given medicated mouthwash to help prevent infection.
*.Having good rest always and Using baby shampoo to clean hairy skin areas.
★When should I contact healthcare provider?
*.You have experience a feverish condition.
*.You get blistering rash on your skin, or sores in your mouth after starting a new medication.
*.Your skin is red, hurts and peels off.
*.You suddenly have trouble breathing.
REMEMBER, HEALTH IS THE GREATEST WEALTH! DON'T TAKE YOUR HEALTH FOR GRANTED!!!
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