NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele  

By Paul Obi 

As the Federal Government moves to provide palliative to various states affected by the recent flood across the country, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Wednesday in Abuja raised an alarm over the possible outbreak of epidemics in affected areas, warning that if prompt action is not taken, the consequences will be severe.

In a statement, NMA President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, said after the body’s feasibility study of affected areas, it has become evident that there could be a disease outbreak in most of the flooded communities.

“In most of the communities visited there was poor waste disposal and inadequate toilet facilities while the underground wells, bore holes and surface water which are the sources of water in the flood ravaged communities, have been polluted, with attendant risk of outbreaks of water-borne diseases.”

He listed some of the diseases that may spread within the areas to include cholera, typhoid and gastro-enteritis, adding that “in some of the camps visited there were already outbreaks of diarrhoea diseases with some reported deaths of displaced persons.”

Enabulele further stated that “poor personal hygiene with evidence of dermatitis and scabies, resulting from inadequate supply of potable water. Inadequate food supply with the attendant risk of development of Protein-Energy Malnutrition, particularly amongst under five children. Overcrowding with attendant risks of air-borne diseases such as Tuberculosis, Cerebrospinal Meningitis and other viral infections.”