LASSA FEVER

Introduction:

Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness that occurs in West Africa. It was first discovered in 1969, Borno state, Nigeria where two missionary nurses died. The cause of the illness was found to be Lassa virus, named after the town in Borno state where its first cases originated.

Causive Organism:

Lassa fever is causes by Lassa virus; a single-stranded RNA virus which is zoonotic (animal-borne). It is hosted in the bodies of Natal Multimammate mice (mastomys ntalensis) from the sub Saharan Africa.

Mode of Transmission:

Lassa virus can be spread through direct contact with the droppings, urines, or excretions of these mastomys rodents through touch, or eating food contaminated with these materials. The virus can also be spread through inhalation of tiny particles in the air contaminated with the rodent’s excretions. This mode is known as Aerosol (air-borne transmission). It can also be spread through consumption of these rodents as food materials. Lassa virus can also be spread via person to person contact. This involves contact with blood, tissues, or excretions of an infected person.

It should be noted that Lassa virus cannot be spread through casual contact.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of Lassa fever occur from 1 to 3 weeks after contact with the virus.

They include:

• Fever
• Restosternal pain (pain behind the chest wall)
• Sore throat
• Back pain
• Cough
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Conjunctivitis
• Facial swelling
• Proteinuria (protein in urine)
• Mucosal bleeding

Neurological symptoms have also been described including hearing loss, tremors, and encephalitis.

Treatment

Ribervin, an antiviral drug has proved helpful in treating Lassa fever patients. However, it is most effective when administered during the early course of the illness.

MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY

My name is Samuel Samuel Udo-Akagha (Jnr), I am a native of Ekpene Afaha Eket, Eket local government area, Akwa-ibom state, Nigeria. I was born on the 21^st November 1993, to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Udo-Akagha of Ekpene Afaha Eket, Eket local government area, Akwa-ibom state, Nigeria. My mother hails from Mmanta, abak local government area, Akwa-ibom state, Nigeria.

I started my primary education in Federal airports authority of Nigeria (FAAN) nursery and primary school, Calabar, and then moved to Auntie Margaret nursery and primary school Calabar, where I obtained my First school leaving certificate (FLSC) in 2004. I further proceeded to the University of Calabar international secondary school and from there to St. Patrick’s college Calabar where I obtained my West African senior school certificate (WASSCE) in 2010. I went ahead to the University of Uyo, Uyo where I am currently studying for a Bachelors Degree in the Department of Communication Arts. I have 4 brothers and a sister. They are Idongesit Udo-Akagha (21 years), Mkponne David Udo-Akagha (17 years), Anita Ansa Ita and Ansa Ita (Jnr

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JAY –JAY OKOCHA

INTRODUCTION

This is a biography of one of the legends of football recognized both in Nigeria and the world. Augustine Jay-jay Okocha is without doubt, the greatest football to grace the scene of Nigerian football. Due to research, I have been able to put together, some of his life’s stories.

Augustine Azuka “Jay-Jay” Okocha was born on 14^th August 1973 in Enugu to Mr. and Mrs. Okocha of Ogwashi -Uku, Delta state. The game of football had been in his family from his eldest brother James, to his immediate elder brother Emmanuel. As such, his enthusiasm grew for the game such that he started playing with any found thing he and his friends could find; and when they found a ball it was a bonus for them.

Career

Okocha started his football career in 1990, playing in the mid field joined Enugu rangers FC. He later traveled to Germany to meet a friend. When he was asked to train with team and after impressing in the training, he landed a deal with German side “Borussia Neunkirchen”. He joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 1992 where he linked up with many prominent players such as Tony Yeboah and many others. After playing there for three years, he left for Fenerbache due to a feud with the Frankfurt coach. Okocha continued to shine for Fenerbache, scoring 30 goals in 60 appearances. He was also part of the squad that historically defeated Manchester united 1-0 at old Trafford in the 1996/1997 UEFA champion’s league group stage. While at Fenerbache, he assumed Turkish citizenship as Muhamet Yavuz.

In 1998, french side; Paris ST. Germaine signed him for $24 million making him the most expensive African player at that time. He spent 4 years in France, scoring 12 goals in 84 games before leaving for England in 2002.

At England, he joined Bolton wanderers on a free transfer. He drifted the team out of relegation with 7 goals including the goal of the season in a crucial match against west ham united. The next season saw Okocha as the team’s captain due to Guoni Bergsson’s retirement. As captain, he led his team to their first cup final in 9 years where they finished second in the league cup. In 2006, he was stripped of the captain’s armband due to selfish reasons on the path of the managerial staff. He later left for Hull city by the end of the season.

Series of injuries hindered Okocha’s season at Hull, playing only 18 games, after which he retired from active football.

Okocha made his official debut for Nigeria in 1993 against ivory-coast in a 1994 world cup qualifying match which ended 2-1 in favor of Ivory-coast. His next game for the super eagles brought him to the spot light; with his side trailing 1-0 against Algeria, Okocha curled in a direct free-kick for the equalizer and also inspired the team ahead for a 4-1 win. In 1996, Okocha won his first international championship with the eagles, beating the Samba kings of Brazil 4-3 to win the Olympic gold medal in Atlanta. Okocha continued to impress the fans until 2006 when he announced his retirement after the African cup of nations with Nigeria finishing third after a 2-1 win against the lions of Senegal. He received a standing ovation from nearly 60,000 fans who were in attendance.

Achievements

v  2004 BBC African footballer of the year

v  2005 BBC African footballer of the year

v  Nigerian footballer of the year 1995, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, & 2005

v  Runner up, Nigerian footballer of the year, 1996

v  FIFA 100

Conclusion

From these facts, we can see that Augustine Azuka “Jay- Jay” Okocha is one of the best footballers to walk the face of the earth, and would be remembered through out the Nigerian football federation and beyond.

Samy Akagha is now a Blogger.

Here, you can read about me, and get to know me more.