As the period of abnormally hot weather persists, health and climate authorities are urging people to stay hydrated and shelter from the burning sun. Gom Mirian writes.
On February 29, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predicted that temperatures could hit 40°C in the North and 35°C in the South, raising alarm over soaring temperatures, particularly in the North and north-central regions of Nigeria.
Heat Stress Warning
This has prompted the issuance of a ‘Heat Stress Warning’ to residents, with states like Niger, Nasarawa, Lagos, and Ogun being categorised as ‘extremely dangerous’ for sunstroke and heatstroke.
They further identified states like Sokoto, Jigawa, Yobe, and Borno to have highly conducive environments for a potential meningitis outbreak, warranting heightened vigilance.
The extreme temperatures, coupled with the epileptic power supply, could trigger diseases, threaten livestock, and lead to death.
NiMet
NiMet has cautioned Nigerians to avoid strenuous physical activities during peak heat hours, typically between 12 noon and 4 pm, and to increase fluid intake to mitigate the risk of heatstroke, sunstroke, and heat exhaustion.
Following the forecasts, the nation is currently grappling with an outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the northern states, including Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, and Yobe, where the outbreak has resulted in over 30 fatalities in Yobe state alone.
Jigawa State
Dr Shehu Sambo, the director of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency in Jigawa state, has confirmed an outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis cases in six local government areas of the state.
Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and remains a major public health challenge, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The disease can be caused by various pathogens, with bacterial meningitis posing the highest global burden.
Throat Secretions
It can affect anyone of any age but mainly affects babies, preschool children, and young people, and is transmitted from person to person through respiratory or throat secretions.
Close and prolonged contact facilitates the spread of the disease, with symptoms including confusion, fever, headache, numbness in the face, sensitivity to light, stiff neck, upset stomach or vomiting, severe headache with nausea or vomiting, and difficulty concentrating.
The 40°C is considered very high, and dangerous and can lead to a medical emergency that requires immediate professional attention.
Furthermore, studies have shown that heat could lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth for pregnant women exposed to extreme heat.
A European Journal of Public Health study indicated links between socioeconomic status and higher vulnerability for disadvantaged groups.
Physiological and Anatomical Changes
Exposure to high ambient temperatures during pregnancy may increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes due to physiological and anatomical changes compromising the ability to thermoregulate.
In light of these challenges, Nigerians must take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families from the effects of the heatwave and the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis. Staying hydrated, seeking shelter from the sun during peak heat hours, and being vigilant for symptoms of heat-related illnesses are essential steps to safeguarding health during this period.
Cerebrospinal Meningitis
As the situation unfolds, authorities must continue monitoring and providing timely updates on the heatwave and the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis, while also implementing measures to mitigate the impact on the population.
With the combined efforts of government agencies, healthcare professionals, and the public, it is hoped that the country can effectively navigate through these challenges and minimise the adverse effects on the health and well-being of its citizens.
