As the rainy season begins, residents of Niger State—especially parents—are being urged to take extra precautions against a surge in seasonal health issues affecting children.
The former Head of Nursing Services at the General Hospital Kagara, Ismail Kundu issued this caution in a telephone interview earlier today.
He emphasized the importance of personal hygiene, eliminating stagnant water, drinking only boiled water, and avoiding mosquito bites as key preventive measures.
“Children are particularly vulnerable during the rainy season,” he said.
“Contact with floodwater, mosquito bites, and prolonged exposure to damp and muddy environments often lead to serious health problems which, if not promptly treated, can be fatal.”
Kundu listed common rainy season ailments including gastroenteritis, fever, skin infections, cholera, respiratory illnesses, and abdominal pain. While some of these may seem routine, he stressed that complications can quickly become life-threatening.
He explained that gastroenteritis—an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria or viruses—often results in vomiting and diarrhea. Likewise, typhoid fever, a bacterial infection typically spread through contaminated food and water, can cause high fever, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite.
“If stomach infections are not treated promptly, they can progress to gastritis and, in severe cases, lead to gastric ulcers,” he warned.
Cholera, he added, is another major concern during the rainy season, often resulting from consuming water contaminated by floodwaters. It causes severe diarrhea and dehydration, both of which require urgent medical attention.
“Excessive vomiting and diarrhea lead to rapid loss of body fluids,” he noted. “Immediate rehydration with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is essential to prevent complications.”
To reduce the risk of infection, Kundu advised residents to:
- Sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets
- Practice proper hand and food hygiene
- Avoid contact with floodwaters
- Steer clear of mosquito bites
- Refrain from eating raw or street food
“Taking these preventive steps can significantly safeguard the health of both children and adults during the rainy season,” he concluded.
In addition to physical health, he also emphasized the need for stress reduction and mental well-being. “People should prioritize anxiety management and adopt practices that promote relaxation and emotional balance,” he added.
By Anna Moses
