Genotype

Recently, i went with my boss to the male ward at University College Hospital Ibadan to see a patient. On seeing the patient, the first question i asked was "are his parents illiterate" because the guy is a sickle cell anaemia patient. His reply left me speechless for a while because his  dad is even a consultant at -UCH). 2 weeks after he was discharged from the hospital, he was later re-admitted and died the following day. So sad a young vibrant boy of age 17 died as a result of his parents lust and selfish interest.
Few years ago i lost  a dear one after given birth. Her family because of ignorance called her all sorts of name like  "emere, ogbanje".the Yorubas perspective of someone who dies suddenly at a tender age.  But she died as a result of sickle cell anaemia.
 
Love could make you happier than you have ever been, even sadder than you have ever been, angrier. etc.  it could elate  you and deflate you almost at the same time... But what could be prettier if we live a sickness free life.
Knowing your genotype before getting married could reduce children mortality in our society

What Is Genotype:

Genotype simply means hemoglobin gene constituents. Genes are always in pairs, which could be dominant, recessive or X-linked. The genotypes in humans are AA, AS, SC, SS. The greatest challenge is to avoid matchmaking a trait of sickle cell disease to intending couples. Sickle cell disorder is a lifelong ailment arising from the inheritance, from both parents, of sickle haemoglobin (SS) or of  AS from one parent and another variant pathological haemoglobin such as SC.
The ailment is characterized by premature breakdown of rigidly sickled red blood cells causing,
constant anaemia and occlusion of small blood vessels, which is believed to lead to pain crises and other manifestations.
The most common type of sickle cell in Nigeria is the SS also known as sickle cell anaemia. About 2% of all babies born in Nigeria have sickle cell anaemia.  Two per hundred births translates to over 150,000 births annually of children with sickle cell anaemia. It has been established that about 24% of the entire population of Nigeria or 1 in 4 Nigerian men and women are healthy carriers of the sickle cell trait  (S). The Nigerian population is officially quoted to have risen to about 160 million. Consequently, the population of Nigerians who are healthy carriers of the sickle cell trait (AS) must be about 40 million. This number far exceeds the total population of every other affected African country and indeed of several of them put together. Nigeria, therefore, has the largest sickle cell gene pool in the world.

The Question Is Who can I Marry Based on Genotype Compatibility.

Someone with the genotype AA can marry across. That is, there's no risk of having a sicklier as a child even when he or she marries an SS. But AA marrying an SS can only result in AS children. There's no hope of having a child with the genotype AA. But there's no danger either.

Someone with the genotype AS should only marry someone with the genotype AA because if AS marries AS there's one out of 4 chances (AS, AS, AA and SS) that they will have a child with the sickle cell disease. Same applies when SC. SC and AS combine will produce AS, AS, SC, SC, the sickle cell disease will be SC. Remember that the only problem is when 2 abnormal persons i.e carriers of (S) marries that possess a threat to their off springs.

Compatible genotypes for marriage are:

AA marries an AA. That's the best compatible. That way you save your future children from having to worry about genotype compatibility in future.
AA marries an AS. You'll end up with kids with AA and AS which is good. But sometimes if you're not lucky all the kids will be AS.
AS and AS should not marry.
AS and SS shouldn't think of marrying.
Definitely SS and SS must not marry since there's absolutely no chance of escaping having a child with the sickle cell disease. Likewise SC and SS.
To  avoid any unnecessary distress in your family go for Genotype counseling before you say " i do". Genetic counselling before marriage  is aimed at giving the couples basic information on reproduction and other issues.
Lets eradicate Sickle cell from the grass root by marrying right in order to avoid discomfort in our families in future.
  
For further enquiries contact Professor Olu Akinyanju, College of medicine Hematology unit, University of Lagos Nigeria.

Halitosis

It sounds embarrassing telling someone his breath stinks , but not telling him can impact your  relationship negatively, and possibly with other relationships like friends, family and co-workers .
So what are the causes of bad breath :
Bad breath also referred to as Halitosis. it is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally, and approximately 25% of the worlds population.  It is the third most common reason that makes people seek dental care. The greatest challenge is that the affected individual is the only person who doesn't seems to be aware of the offensive odour.   Halitosis could cause significant embarrassment, anxiety, and worries but the truth is it is very easy to get rid of.

Symptoms:

1. The easiest way to check bad breath without the second party is to lick your wrist, leave it to dry and then smell it. If it smells bad, there is a strong chance your breath also smells bad.

2. Mouth odour varies depending on the cause of the problem. if possible ask a close friend to gauge your mouth odour as it is very difficult to assess yourself.

3. Halitophobia: this is a situation whereby a person is too much concerned about his mouth odour even though they have little or no odour. This can lead to obsessive mouth cleansing behaviour.

Causes of bad breath

The most common cause of bad breath is poor hygiene. Usually as a result of sulphur compounds that are broken down by bacteria in food particles. However, there are cases whereby the odour is coming from within the mouth . This could be as a result of the following:

1. Food stuck between teeth. Normal teeth brushing may not clear bits of food which can get stuck between teeth, the food then rots and becomes riddled with  bacteria . Regular cleaning between the teeth could prevent this problem.

2. Plaque, tartar (calculus) and gum disease. Dental plaque is a soft whitish deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It forms when bacteria combine with food and saliva. Plaque contains many types of bacteria. Calculus is hardened calcified plaque. It sticks firmly to teeth. Gum disease means infection or inflammation of the tissues that surround the teeth. If your gums look inflamed, or regularly bleed when you clean your teeth, you are likely to have gum disease. The severity can range from mild to severe.

3.Coating on the back of the tongue. In some people, a coating develops on the back part of the tongue. It is not clear why this occurs. It may be from mucus that drips down from the back of the nose (postnasal drip). The coating can contain many bacteria. This explains why bad breath can sometimes occur in people with otherwise good oral hygiene.

Other causes include:

• Tobacco: Tobacco increase causes of gum disease which can cause bad breath. 
• Dry mouth: saliva naturally cleans the mouth. If the mouth is naturally dry (for instance, in the morning) or is dry due to a specific disease (such as xerostomia), odors can build up.
• Diseases: some cancers, liver failure and other metabolic diseases can cause halitosis due to specific mixes of chemicals that they produce. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause bad breath due to the regular reflux of stomach acids.
• Drugs: certain medications can reduce saliva and, therefore, increase odors. Other drugs can produce odors as they breakdown and release chemicals in the breath. Examples include nitrates used to treat angina, some chemotherapy chemicals and some tranquilizers, such as phenothiazines. Individuals who take vitamin supplements in large doses can also be prone to bad breath

Treatment:

These are the various ways of getting rid of halitosis:

1. Good oral hygiene; it ensures that cavities are avoided and reduces the likelihood of gum diseases . Always ensure you visit your dentist for check-up twice a year .
2. Brush at least twice a day. but preferably after each meal. 
3. Floss: flossing reduces the build-up of food particles and plaque from between the teeth - brushing only cleans around 60% of the surface of the tooth.
4. Brush tongue: bacteria, food and dead cells commonly build up on the tongue, especially in smokers or those with a particularly dry mouth. Sometimes, a tongue scraper can be useful
5. Diet: avoid onions, garlic and spicy food. Sugary foods are also linked to bad breath. Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption. Eating a breakfast that includes rough foods can help clean the back of the tongue.
6. Avoid dry mouth: drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which dehydrate the mouth. Chewing gum or sucking a sweet (preferably sugar-free) can help stimulate the production of saliva. If the mouth is chronically dry, a doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.  After trying all these, if  odour persists please visit your dentist. 

                    So How Do I Tell Him His Breath Stinks:

• Choose a good venue to discuss his bad breathe with him. Avoid the third party while telling him in order to avoid embarrassment. Choose a time when he is in good mood. Be emotionally stable so that he doesn't have the impression that you want to break up with him. 
• Be polite as much as possible when communicating the issue with him, without adding inferences or disgust or other reactions to his stinky breath.
• Tell him how willing you are to help him get rid of the offensive odour and tell him the possible threat to his health which could be periodontal disease, infection, and impaired digestion. 
• Let him realize how much you value the relationship. Assure him that his bad breath isn't a breaking point.    

Mushroom and its health benefits

What no one told you about mushrooms.........

Mushroom popularly known as "osun or olu" in Yoruba land, Igbo call it "ero", Hausa call it "naman kaza"  
There about 140,000 species of mushroom, about 300 are edible, 100 species are being studied for there health promoting benefits,  while 10 are grown commercially. If you plan to go on a mushroom-picking trip, then make sure you take someone with an extensive knowledge of mushrooms, with you. It is important to identify the mushrooms accurately.
Edible mushrooms are often described as vegetables or herbs, but they are actually fungi. it may sound strange, but we are actually closely related to fungi than we are to any other kingdom. we share the same pathogens, meaning bacteria and viruses.
Mushrooms were reserved for royalty in ancient Egypt and ancient Romans thought it was conferred to warriors.
Apart from the distinct flavour it adds to soup, it has a lot of nutritional and health benefits, which include the following :

1. Weight Loss:
 According to studies, substituting red meat with mushroom is the best for weight management. Because, mushrooms are extremely low in calories and contain negligible amounts of sodium and fat. This alone makes mushrooms a viable food choice for anyone looking to achieve weight loss.

2. Cancer Prevention:
Mushrooms commonly found in grocery stores and salad bars, help remove excess estrogen from circulation, making them helpful for preventing  cancer.According to research, Cordycepin one of the active compounds  found in fungi is a potential cancer drug.

3. Hypertension / High blood pressure :
Pink oyster mushrooms  are a good source of chitin and beta-glucan, and fibers that lower cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health. They also reduce total cholesterol and prevent arterial plaque formation.  A compound in shiitake mushrooms, called critadenine, helps the liver process cholesterol.\

4. Immune Boost:
Beta-glucan long chain polysaccharides, particularly alpha and beta glucan molecules in mushrooms provides protection against colds, flu and other viruses. According to studies, Shiitake, portobello, oyster and reishi mushrooms contain a polysaccharide molecule called lentinan that stimulates production of interferon, which stimulates the immune system.

5. Vitamins and Minerals:
Mushrooms are among the only natural food sources of vitamin D, and  are one of the few foods that contain germanium, a trace mineral that helps your body use oxygen efficiently and prevents against damaging effects of free radicals. Many mushrooms are also good sources of selenium, an antioxidant mineral, as well as copper, niacin, riboflavin  potassium and phosphorous. Additionally, mushrooms provide protein, vitamin C and iron. Because their cells walls are indigestible unless exposed to heat, you must cook mushrooms to get their nutritional benefits.

In recent studies,mushroom has anti-inflammatory characteristics that may be helpful for those suffering from the following

• asthma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Renal failure
• stroke damage.

However, whether someone likes to eat mushrooms or not is a  personal choice that can also be ruled by preference, taste and beliefs. But is of no doubt that edible mushroom is a must in all homes because of its health benefits. 

Your Food And Cancer

Foods scientifically proven to kill cancer.

Greet your body each morning with with a glass of warm water, organic baking soda and lemon. . This keeps our bodies more alkaline/ less acidic , which is critical for health . But that is just one of the amazing foods that can keep you free of diseases including cancer.....

Below are some of the cancer killing foods.

Omega-3. oily fish
fish oil, flax seed oil, hemp moil, and healthy oil blend supplements provide Omega -3 fatty acids (and other beneficial fatty acids) which fight inflammation and make the body less hospitable to cancer cells.

Cruciferous vegetables
Broccolli, cauliflower, cabbage , Brussel sprouts, watercess, kale, collard greens, cauliflower, bok choy, turnips, rutabagas, radishes, argula, and more. . These vegetables contain sulforaphane and other helpful compounds, which help fight against tumors, breast, prostrate, brain and colorectal cancers, as well as leukemia.

Berries.
Black raspberries appear to reign supreme, though all berries contain cancer fighting phytonutrients and high amounts of ellagic acid (a natural phenol antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables), which inhibit tumor growth. Walnuts popularly called "ausa or asala" in Yoruba land could  be used in place of berries if you find it expensive or scarce. Also, walnuts is a good source of omega-3 fatty acid

How Do I Get Rid Of Vaginal Odour/ Prevention

                                  Getting Rid of Vaginal Odour/ Prevention.

(1).    The easiest and most cost effective way is maintaining good hygiene.
          Change underwear daily, change pads, tampons and pantie-liners frequently.
          Ensure you wipe front to back after bowel movements to avoid spread of rectal bacteria.
(2)     Avoid using scented product, harsh laundry detergents, or feminine products designed to                      "freshen" the vagina
(3)     Wear loose fitting clothes and cotton panties. Bacteria build up could be as a result of tight                   jeans and fabrics that doesn't allow the vaginal to breathe which causes vaginal sweating.
(4)     Avoid douching. Instead, wash with warm water and mild soap. You may find a hand held                  shower attachment can help you to feel cleaner. Be sure to wash the labia and inner folds of the          vagina as well.
(5)    Garlic is one of nature’s most powerful antibiotics. Inserting a clove of garlic into your vagina            and retaining it for a couple of hours can alleviate the bad vaginal odor to a large extent.
(6)    Apple cider vinegar helps restore the acidic quality of the vaginal flora and fights off the toxins           that cause infection. Simply indulge in a long bath with two to three cups of this natural                       antibacterial agent in your bathing water to achieve quick results.

How Do I Tell Her Her Vagina Smells Pt2

(2)the presence of Trichomoniasis is another good example while the vaginal has a fishy smell, often with a white or gray discharge.. Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted disease caused by the infeection with a protozoan parasite caused trichomonas vaginalis. It is the most common curable STI (sexually transmitted disease) in America. Though, it can be contacted through non sexual means. Trichomoniasis can cause itching, burning, redness or soreness of the genitals, discomfort with urination, or a thin discharge with unusual fishy smell that could be clear, white, yellowish or greenish. infection may last for months or even years if not treated .

(3)Yeast infection is also a major reason the vaginal smells. it comes with a faint bread - like odour, and it can smell slightly musty.

(4)Personal hygiene possess a great threat to the vaginals odour. it could be as a result of wearing too tight pants or synthetic fiber underpants who can prevent enough air into the vaginal and thus lead to a stronger than usual scent.

(5) Ladies get it wrong all in the name of clean and neat by shaving their public area. The public hair was designed to soak up vaginal secretions as well as pheromones. When the air is shaved off, the skin is raw and often open, and the area stays moister. This creates a breeding ground for nasty bacteria and pathogens. The entire theory behind public hair is to cushion the vagina against friction and to form a barrier that will keep bacteria out of the area.

(6) Sometimes what a lady eats matters a lot. spicy meal, over indulgence in alcohol or medications and supplements taken could cause offensive vaginal odour. Essentially everything you put into your body is secreted through your body fluids, including those of the vaginal region. 

To be contd.....

How Do I Tell Her Her Vaginal smells ?

Offensive odour during sex could be a difficult thing to tell your partner.....I cant just go on with this relationship he says without telling her what the problem is .....However, she thinks....could it be spiritual problem, emotional, physical,financial,  hereditory etc. She has no clue on why he breaks up with her.
You are a lady, no matter what you try, how little or how much you clean it, or what products you try, you will always have a smell... down there. You may ask yourself  what can I do to make myself scentless? A woman’s vagina normally has a mild odor, but inflammation or infection of the vagina or cervix can result in an unusually strong, persistent or bad vaginal smell that is often described as a fish-like odor. However, if you are noticing a particular offensive odour down there, chances of infection is the root of the problem.

(1) The most common is Bacteria vaginosis. It may sound scary, big and frightening but its actually very common among ladies. its the most common cause of vaginal odour. Every vaginal is filled with naturally occurring bacteria, and BV is basically an outgrowth of the bacteria. Research as shown that most women in their reproductive years will experience at least one case of BV. The reason for this still remain unknown, but unprotected sex and frequent douching can put a lady at higher risk. BV does not lead to complications, but it can increase a woman's chances of developing a sexually transmitted disease. Also, a pregnant woman with BV has an increased chance of pregnancy complications. BV may cause a fishy, malodorous discharge. This odor is usually most prominent after sexual intercourse. But it is recommended that all women with BV symptoms should seek medical attention early to prevent  rare, but serious, complications. It could be tempting to buy over-the-counter products to mask vaginal odour. Experts warn that these don't usually carry any health benefits, rather they may offer some short-term relief.
To Be Contd.........

The Good, Bad And Ugly Among Bacteria....

Diagram of a bacteria

CONVICTS AMONG BACTERIA

Bacteria are beneficial to humans because we found them useful in brewing industries, milk factories, Agriculture, pharmaceutical companies and they also aid digestion in human and livestock.  However among bacteria there are bad ones that aren’t beneficial to humans because they are responsible for various human diseases.

Talking about convicts among bacteria, this is simply in this context referring to those bacteria with exceptional abilities in resisting treatments especially with antibiotics which are expected to kill the bacteria.

Antibiotics are designed specifically for the treatment of bacteria causing various infections. There are different classes of antibiotics that are available commercially. Among these classes we have penicillin (e.g. ampicillin), aminoglycosides (e.g. gentamicin), fluoroquinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin) to mention but few.

Before a bacteria can be termed multidrug resistance, it must be able to withstand 2 or more of the classes of antibiotics. Bacteria in this category are problematic because they often lead to treatment failures, recurrent infections, prolong hospital stay and financial burden.

These are the convicts among bacteria. They are medically important bacteria hence must be paid close attention to due to the amount of dangers they can cause. In subsequent series we shall be discussing them one after the other.

Tip. To avoid the multiplication of multidrug resistant bacteria, it is advisable to follow doctor’s prescription in taking antibiotics and avoid self-medication which is known to be among factors leading to development of resistant bacteria.

To be continued

About the author

Dr. Bamidele Odumosu is a Pharmaceutical Microbiologist in the department of Microbiology, University of Lagos Nigeria.

Effects of mosquito bite other than malaria fever .........

severe elephantoid scrotum 

elephantiasis of the leg 

Mosquito bites: Just a bite from mosquitoes could cause extreme swollen limbs, kidney damages, severe skin dermatitis, orchitis- inflammation of the testes etc

A man is going through the worst moments of his life after his leg swelled to extremely large proportions following a mosquito bite. It took just one bite from a mosquito for man to be infected with one of the most frightening and crippling tropical diseases. 

The man was bitten by the fly 20 years ago and subsequently infected with Lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic infection better known as Elephantiasis. It is called elephantiasis as a result of thickened and fissured ‘elephant-like” that occurs on the leg. Classical elephantiasis is a more unusual consequence of infection by Wuchereria bancrofti and by at least two other species of filaroids.

He has been battling the infection ever since, and watched as his left leg swelled and became thickened and fissured “elephant-like”, almost paralyzing him.

The disease targets the body's lymphatic system as the larvae reproduce and mature over a period of one year. The infection is typically characterized by extreme swelling of limbs or genitals, though the majority of people who are infected by the parasite do not develop any symptoms.

However, the worms can damage kidneys and lymph nodes even if a person does not exhibit external symptoms.

It is believed that the infection is brought to the new world by slave trade. Filariasis is found in Africa, Central and South America, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Global prevalence of lymphatic filariais is about 120 million cases and Wuchereria bancrofti is responsible for over 90% of lymphatic filariasis.  

Doctors can use anthelmintic drugs which will expel the parasitic worms from the patient's body. 

In cases whereby patients do not seek treatment early it can be a life-long battle.

In terms of prevention, although there is a greater risk for long-term travelers or humanitarian workers, all tourists are encouraged to use insect repellent containing DEET, or diethyltoluamide, the most common kind of insect repellent. 

Elephantiasis often leaves sufferers incapacitated as their painful and swollen limbs are incredibly difficult to move. 

It is primarily found in third world countries, it leaves many with the condition struggling to work, and can be fatal.

Wall gecko potential threat to human health and domestic animals ?

Diagram of a typical wall gecko. 

Wall geckos also known as "omonile" in Yoruba land.  Little has been done to see that wall geckos are eradicated from our homes and environments maybe as the name implies in Yoruba land "omonile" i.e they are the owner of the house.

Geckos are found in warm climates throughout the world especially within human habitation where they feed on insects, worms and spiders. They are nocturnal animals i.e. they are active at night and they are great climbers. They are mainly found in the ceiling, back of calendars during the day time but active at nights.  Parasitism remains a neglected aspect of reptiles biology hence little is known about the parasites that infect geckos which could be detrimental to human health. Geckos are likely zoonotic pathway to human health, though they may look friendly in habits, but are quiet killers in transmission of pathogens. Thus, they represent a substantial risk to human health and domestic animals.  Research as shown that geckos are potential carriers of endoparasites and ectoparasites  (helminthes). Also, geckos are linked with Salmonella. Ectoparasites such as  ticks - soft and hard, and mites. It is therefore likely that soft ticks of gecko may feed on man and livestock and by the virtue of their blood feeding habit also transmit diseases of the gecko to man or domestic animals.  The co-habitation of this reptile with man and livestock in a common domestic abode may therefore easily enhance the developmental or parasitic life-cycle of the gecko ectoparasites. Endoparasites like nematodes and cestodes are also found to be parasties of geckos which could develop in domestic mammals. 

The geckos being found in human habitation shows that man can be infected through contaminated food and water by faeces and saliva of the reptile or accidentally ingesting the egg.

Wall gecko looks harmless but they are potential threat to the health of man and domestic animals.

Health is Wealth  

Emerging Zoonotic disease "SARS-like virus called WIV1-CoV,"

A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be passed between animals and humans. Scientists have warned that humans should brace for the emergence of a new virus that could be deadlier than Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) , Zika or lassa fever. Its SARS-like virus called WIV1-CoV, it may induce the same results in humans as SARS – starting out with flu-like symptoms and accelerating rapidly to pneumonia. This deadly disease is isolated from Chinese rufous horseshoe bats. Discovery confirms that bats are the natural reservoir of the SARS virus. Phylogenetic analysis shows the possibility of direct transmission of SARS from bats to humans without the intermediary Chinese civets, as previously believed.

The scientists say this virus may never jump to humans, but if it does, WIV1-CoV has the potential to seed a new outbreak with significant consequences for both public health and the global economy.

According to the researchers, the capacity of this group of viruses to jump into humans is greater than originally thought. While other adaptations may be required to produce an epidemic, several viral strains circulating in bat populations have already overcome the barrier of replication in human cells and suggest reemergence as a distinct possibility.

According to reports, the SARS outbreak of 2003 infected 8,000 people – and claimed nearly 800 lives. More recently, the Ebola epidemic that swept through West Africa in 2014, infecting nearly 29,000 people and killing 11,300, serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact an outbreak can have. And, the ongoing Zika crisis in South America, and lassa fever in Nigeria though not on the same scale as Ebola, is yet another example of how a virus can quickly spread.

Each of the outbreaks affected thousands of people – and cost billions in lost economic growth.

Researchers caution, WIV1-CoV could have a similar scope.

The virus spreads through close person-to-person contact by respiratory droplets produced when a person sneezes or coughs.

 “While other adaptations may be required to produce an epidemic, several viral strains circulating in bat populations have already overcome the barrier of replication of human cells and suggest reemergence as a distinct possibility.”

That finding suggests a potent treatment option if an outbreak were to occur.

However, treating WIV1-CoV with antibodies could lead to the same problem that arose with ZMapp – the antibody therapy used for Ebola.

fruits and vegetables has a pattern that resembles a body organ....

Do you know ticks are important vectors of diseases affecting both humans, livestock and animals? They carry over 15 different pathogens and cause over 16 human diseases.

Do you know ticks are important vectors of diseases affecting both humans, livestock and animals? Ticks carry over 15 different pathogens and cause over 16 human diseases. Ticks are found in almost every region of the world- tropical and sub tropical region.
They feed relatively for longer period and remain firmly attached to the host, their bite is painless and they occupy diverse habitats.
Ticks can transmit bacteria, viruses and protozoa which are pathogens for human diseases.
Prevalence and distribution of tick borne diseases is largely influenced by factors such as climate, landscape, wildlife hosts, tick distribution, globalization and ease of travelling.
The increase in reported tick borne diseases such as Lyme diseases, Rocky mountain spotted fever,, Ehrlichiosis as led to great awareness.
Their is hardly recorded cases of tickborne infection in human within Nigeria. Most cases are of tourists that visited endemic regions and came to Africa with the disease. However, to avoid tick borne diseases in Nigeria:
(1) one should continuously check himself or herself when travelling to countries where tickborne diseases are endemic.
(2) N,N-diethyl1-3-menthylbeanzamide is a lotion which should be robbed all over the body creating barriers between the body and ticks
(3) insecticides can be used in controlling tick populations.

African tick fever has not proven to be dangerous disease in sub Saharan Africa, using Nigeria as a case study. so little research as been carried out on it.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.
HEALTH IS WEALTH!!!

Beware of dipping your legs in natural fresh water bodies like rivers, streams, dams, lakes etc.

Immediately you notice irritation, rash on your legs, pain on urination and blood in the urine, please seek medical attention, because these may lead to kidney failure, uraemia, bladder cancer and sometimes infertility in women among others.   This could be caused by Schistosomiais or Bilharzis, called  “atosi aja” in Yoruba language. It is ranked second to malaria among parasitic diseases. It has affected at least 230 million people worldwide and estimated 779 million people at risk worldwide with more than 95% of all infections concentrated in Africa. Collation of peer - reviewed journals and reports on schistosomiasis in Nigeria revealed that it is endemic in 35 out of 36 states in the country including the Federal capital territory Abuja. Lack of knowledge and perspective of people as led to high prevalence of this “man made” infection. 

Transmission:  eggs are excreted by an infected person via urine, feaces, hatch in the presence of light and release a tiny parasite called miracidium.  Miracidium finds its way to a suitable fresh water snail (intermediate host). Inside the snail the miracidia reproduces many times and form a cercariae which break out of the snail into the water.  When human being gets in contact with this water, the cercariae penetrates the skin which sometimes results in rashes and irritations on the leg (Fig. 1). Thus it reaches out to the blood vessels and a new life cycle/transmission begins. 

Prevention and control should be focused mainly on (1) educating individuals / population to prevent transmission. (2). Curing of infected persons, by use of drugs like praziquantel .   (3). Control of vectors- snail intermediate hosts: environmental management, molluscicides and biological agents.  (4) Protective vaccination.

Prevention is better than cure!