People whose houses were recently submerged during the flood have once been warned of the residual health effect even as the water recedes and they return to such homes.
Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, Kogi State Deputy Governor, urged those with homes roofed with asbestos not to quickly rush into them to avoid a disease known as asbestosis.
He also said the fungi nature of most of the homes submerged calls for serious fumigation, solicited expert advice from UN Groups, said the anti – snake bite venom is coming at an appropriate time.
Prof. Aminu Nasidi, Director, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Chairman, National Task force on Health Response to Flood, set up by President Goodluck Jonathan, who also delivered Anti Snake bite venom from the Federal Ministry of Health to the State Government, says the flood was accompanied by several recorded cases of snake bites.
Prof. Nasidi, warned people against rushing into their homes, as many houses are no longer strong and because of their fungai nature.
The flood which is likely to throw up the outbreak of diseases as it aftermath effect if not well handled, Prof. Nasidi explained can lead to the explosion of yellow fever.
Already Prof. Nasidi, disclosed that the flood has led to the population of vectors like mosquito, says his task force mandate is to assist in streamlining and coordinating all health care actors involved in the management of the health aspect of the flood.
Similarly, the flood which he added has led to several cases of people committing suicide has also left many other people destabilized, is likely to lead to issues of mental health, says his task force is charged with coordinating all UN Group with concern States towards having an approach aimed at mitigating health impact caused by the flood in the long and short term.
Prof. Nasidi, commended the health response mechanism of the State Government, said their approach is very effective.
