Kenya’s Finance Bill 2024: Economic and Technological Implications
Kenya has in the past few days faced civil unrest as its Gen Z citizens protest against the proposed Finance…
Tag: Global Perspectives
Why Nigerian Fintechs Are Switching to Verve and Afrigo Cards
Nigerian banks and fintech companies are increasingly turning to local payment cards like Verve and Afrigo, moving away from international…
Building the Future: African Startups and the Lessons of the Dot-Com Era
One of the most remarkable periods in recent history is the dot-com boom and subsequent crash in the late 1990s.…
“Japanese Tech Giants Spearhead Breakthroughs in Sub-Terahertz for 6G Wireless Communications”
Four Japanese firms DOCOMO, NEC, NTT, and Fujitsu have teamed up since 2021 to advance sub-terahertz tech. Sub-Terahertz (THz) frequencies…
Academy for Health and Lifespan Research Appoints Dr. Nir Barzilai as New President Amid Controversy
Dr. Kaeberlein’s departure was catalyzed by his disappointment in the alleged dishonesty within the scientific community, particularly criticizing a claim…
Rediscovering African Wellness: An Examination of Health and Longevity
Ósìnàkáchì Akuma Kalu (OAK), the founder and board chair of Transdisciplinary Agora for Future Discussions (TAFFDs) and Co-founder Afrolongevity, provided…
Protect Your Environment: Add Value By Stopping Climate Change.
What can you do at home to protect your environment? How can you make a personal contribution to slowing climate…
Internet Blackout Hits Africa as Undersea Cables Fail
Large parts of Africa have been plunged into an internet blackout after several vital undersea cables were damaged, according to…
THE LURKING NIGHTMARE: THE DANGERS OF ALLOWING BED BUGS IN YOUR HOME
When you think of household pests, bed bugs are surely among the most reviled and devastating for homeowners. These tenacious…
A New Perspective: Elephantiasis Revealed as Medical Condition, Not Spiritual Affliction
Elephantiasis, also known as lymphatic filariasis, is a neglected tropical disease that can lead to permanent disfigurement and disability if left untreated. Despite being one of the world’s leading causes of disability, there are still many misconceptions surrounding this condition.
The main symptom of elephantiasis is the enlargement and hardening of the affected limb or body part due to lymph fluid accumulation. Other symptoms can include fevers, chills, nausea, entry lesions, skin rashes, and thickening and folds of skin on affected areas. Without treatment, these symptoms progressively worsen, leading to permanent disfigurement, disability, and social stigmatization.
Diagnosing elephantiasis typically involves a combination of evaluating symptoms and performing tests like blood smears, antigen tests, ultrasound, and travel history analysis. Early diagnosis is crucial, as the disease is most amenable to treatment before permanent lymphatic damage occurs.
Treatment focuses on killing the parasitic worms through antiparasitic medications like diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin, and albendazole. Equally important is managing swelling, preventing disability through lymphedema care, and providing supportive services to those suffering from disfigurement. With comprehensive treatment, permanent disability can be prevented in most cases.