One Killed as New Deadly Disease Surface in Nigeria

The Honourable Minister of Health

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.”