STAY WELL & SPARKLE: Nigerian Students Nix Chikungunya

Rebecca strives to bring healing to the afflicted
Rebecca strives to bring healing to the afflicted

Africa today is poised for massive economic growth. Before it could mobilize to this point, it had to overcome entrenched notions, some of which sound hauntingly familiar. It took quite some time to grasp how that tiny little mosquito could cause such a devastating febrile (fever-causing) disease.

Listen carefully: 35 year old student-doctor Rebecca Umah became infected while living in her high school dormitory. “I was burning up with fever. I was so weak. My joints were swollen and painful, I could barely get out of bed. I was so afraid what was happening to me, I prayed fervently for God’s healing.”

The real cause

What’s your diagnosis? Based on the information so far, you would swear it was ‘The Chicken’. But if I tell you this was back in Nigeria, of course, malaria becomes the prime suspect. It is carried by the Anopheles mosquito vector, cousin of our own Aedes Aegypti of Dengue & Chikungunya fame. Rebecca responded to the standard painful Chloroquine injections though her recovery was marred with abscess and scars.

Forget about sharks and snakes and lions or whatever. Mosquitoes kill more people around the world than all other animals combined.  I did not make that up nor is it a Government conspiracy.Dominica is simply one of many countries struggling to cope with this same Chikungunya crisis. Pity anyone who thinks otherwise. For those who can read and access information online,there is really no excuse for such obstructionist attitudes. In Guadeloupe, for example, officials are imposing increasing fines on non-compliant citizens.

For Rebecca, her malaria experience confirmed her decision to study medicine. Today, it sharpens her approach to Chikungunya. She obtained a degree in Industrial Chemistry with honours from Abia State University in Nigeria followed by a Biological Science degree from University of Ghana in Legon, Accra. Next she furthered her studies at the American International School of Medicine in Guyana before seizing the better opportunity at All Saints in Dominica.

Louis plans to specialize in obstetrics-gynecology
Louis plans to specialize in obstetrics-gynecology`

Her fellow All Saints student, Louis Benedict Nnaemeka, is likewise aged 35. Louis also earned a Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry with honours from Abia State in Nigeria. He worked with Excellence Laboratories where he assisted in research and was a leader in medical diagnosis. He got additional experience working with pharmaceutical companies, interacting with scientists and discussing patients’ treatment options.

Click here to listen to Louis and Rebecca in their own words. These are talented, mature students whose tremendous thirst for learning has carried them here. If there is one thing we can learn from their experience is that we need a more creative and effective approach to managing this disruptive disease.

Cosmopolitan country

Dominica is the nation that produces the highest per capita of doctors in the world. Thanks to dual established medical schools, with respect to population, a higher number of international physicians pass through our doors than any other country. Refugees and strangers from all tongues and nations come here to live and thrive, thereby greatly enriching our national development.

Louis devoutly attends St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Goodwill. In his view, “Dominica is a small island with smaller socio-economic problems compared with bigger countries in the world. Its health problems and epidemics disease are low, the crime rate is low. It is not affected by industrial pollutants and is quite advanced in environmental protection.”

Rebecca, a pastor’s wife, misses her husband while studying away from home these past two years. Yet she remains effusive about Dominica as “a very wonderful island to visit and see the beauty and glory of God’s creation.” According to her, “though it has a tiny population compared to where I came from, it features excellent water supply, steady electricity and very friendly, hospitable and welcoming people, I must tell you.”

The welcome song at Rebecca’s ‘Nigerian church’ in Dominica is unlike any other. Deeper Life Bible Church, is located at the junction of the Pt. Michel/Grandbay road. Interestingly enough, it is pastored by David Abiodun, the dynamic Registrar at Roseau’s All Saints University School of Medicine. Don’t take my word for it. If you ever have a chance, put aside any reservations just long enough to check it out for yourself. Trust me, you will experience a far different picture of Nigeria than the one painted by those  BokoHaram terrorists. These are the ultra-extremists in the remote corner of the country who sully the name of Nigeria and evoke the global ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign.

New Approaches to Chikungunya

Gone are the days when we were conditioned to think of Africa in terms of Tarzan swinging on vines to rescue Jane from the wild natives. Today, two of Dominica’s most respected and well-loved physicians are Nigerian in the persons of Dr. Fadipe and Dr. Ade. After their training, Louis and Rebecca have the option of staying or practicing elsewhere. Wherever that may be, I am confident they will bloom where they are planted.

One thing that stands out when we do patients’ medical histories is the answer to the question, “What have you done for, or what treatment have you received for your condition?” In the majority of cases, the answer is one word: Paracetamol. Maybe it’s just us, or is this something that others also find concerning? Now, no disrespect; Paracetamol (Tylenol) is a great pain reliever / fever reducer, but it is not without risks. Too much of it can cause liver damage while doing little to treat the actual underlying disease process.

What a privilege it is to play even a small role in the success of these students! Thanks to their insights, Urgent Care is achieving rather dramatic results. This new approach is based on alternative prescription drugs combined with specific local herbal preparations. Even before the onset of rash and fever, it is not unusual for patients’ swollen painful joints to keep them completely bedridden. An awful pattern soon became evident. Working adults have even soiled themselves before they could arrange for personal assistance. Yet, within 24 hours of a home or office visit, these same patients are literally out of bed performing their basic activities of daily living (ADL’s)

It is only the grace of God or sheer luck for anyone on island who has not yet contracted Chikungunya. But the time is coming when this epidemic will no longer dominate headline news. To hasten that day, let’s be diligent in following instructions by the World Health Organization and our own dedicated Environment Health officials. Until then, this much is clear: we can surely remove the sting of this disease and quickly bounce back to better things. Help is only a phone call away.

Click here to review additional local information on Chikungunya.

Dr. Sam Christian is surgeon who runs the Urgent Care on 137 Bath Road. It offers general medical care, office surgery, acupuncture and a special new Chikungunya treatment. He is Medical Officer of the Dominica Cadet Corps and Medical Adviser to the Dominica Cancer Society. Dr. Christian can be reached at 440-9133 or by writing to [email protected].

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25 Comments

  1. November 18, 2014

    Awesome post.

  2. Big Bannan
    June 19, 2014

    Any time I hear the word “Nigerian” my ears stand up and I feel for my wallet to make sure it’s still there . Lol

  3. Grand Ojo
    June 17, 2014

    This is a very good read. Informative and also quite unique, article sir.

  4. 4Ds
    June 17, 2014

    Deet — Use insect repellent with Deet
    Dress – Use light long sleeves and long pants
    Drain – Empty all standing water
    Dusk and Dawn – remember mosquitoes are active in Dusk and Dawn.

  5. Clarion Call
    June 17, 2014

    I’m one of those who went from being flat on my back to reporting from work the next day. Other people my age who got it around the same time still suffering and some even get it again.

    The doc plainly said it on more information link in the article to the DBS radio Chikungunya panel: coconut water, lemon grass and steroids. The combination was based on my personal medical history, medicines I was taking and weight. All I can say is it worked for me.

    Some people can criticize all they want but they have something better to offer, tell us. Thank God we have choices.

  6. D/can
    June 17, 2014

    Dr. Christian, You really strayed off topic with that article wi. C- for that one.

  7. Educator
    June 16, 2014

    Doc, please don’t come here to promote your clinic with unproven bush medicine. You ought to know better than that.
    Shame on you.

  8. Anonymous
    June 16, 2014

    So after all is said and done….what is the treatment for this virus, I agree no Paracetmol…then what. Or I guess if we want the treatment, we have to pay for it at Urgent Care. But again, if Urgent Care really cared, that treatment would be posted on DNO with this well written, informative article so as to reduce terrible effects of the virus, especially the long-term ones.

  9. pali
    June 16, 2014

    I appreciate that comforting info thanks doc. A sense of hope and healing for the nation

  10. Anonymous
    June 16, 2014

    Doc I have read a few of your column and enjoyed them. This one?
    At first glance, I thought the young doctor had found a vaccine for Chikungunya. But on further reading, I kept wondering what the purpose of this column was.

    To me this was a column about nothing.

  11. Kalinago
    June 16, 2014

    Use fresh lime leaves and fresh sumachay leaves and boil them together. Put a lot, not just a few leaves. Put the boiled result in a basin/tube and soak in it from head to toe. NOTE: Let the boiled water get a bit warm, however adults who can bear it, should soak in water as hot as they are able to manage. (The hotter and more concentrated, the better.) Do this twice a day for two to three days and Chikungunya will flee.

    My mom used these on two of her neighbors: a lady and a baby and it worked. She had the lady take one paracetamol per day and gave the baby a tiny tiny piece. NOTE: My mom is not a medical professional BUT she KNOWS her herbs.

  12. Concerned Citizen
    June 16, 2014

    The number 1 cure for this Chikungonya is the juice from the papaya leaves in lay man terms paw paw leaves. check it out on the internet it really works. and rub your joints with diclofenac rub.

  13. malick
    June 16, 2014

    Doc

    Can you elaborate a bit on this new treatment approach you make mention of. Please share some more information on your alternative prescription drugs combined with specific local herbal preparations.

    I am a firm believer of natural herbal medicine and healing.

    Keep your articles coming.

  14. Anonymous
    June 16, 2014

    makes good reading

  15. patriot
    June 16, 2014

    I started reading what appeared to to be an interesting article but soon realized it is just an advertisement for Dr Christian and his business.
    The truth is the more people who contract the virus the more money he will make.

  16. ??????
    June 16, 2014

    Great stuff but not for nothing Dr Sam did I miss where “she?they NIXED” Chickungunya? I read the article 3x, listened to the recording and loosely medically speaking to NIX would mean to put and end to, find a cure for ? They are very well educated and may someday find a cure because of their already scientific background but NIX?

  17. just saying
    June 16, 2014

    Very good and informative article if the chicken get me I will definitely visit your office since I am the only bread winner of my family. I don’t want to lose a day work.

  18. Freedom of Religion
    June 16, 2014

    The story is that the founders of All Saints University School of Medicine chose the West Indies to locate their institution because of its proximity to, and friendly relations with North American market.

    As the Sri Lankan and Nigerian investors intentionally scoured the regional map for the first time, they noticed that lots of the islands had ‘saints’ in there names: St. Vincent, St, Lucia, St. Thomas, St. Martin etc. Those that did not, were replete with towns and parishes named after saints like St. Joseph and St. Georges. Hence the name, “All Saints.” Dominica got a pass because the name itself meant the Lord’s Day.

    The fact that this island already had a thriving medical school was seen as an facilitating advantage rather than a liability. This is not to say there was not fierce opposition in some quarters, but Dominica’s history of freedom of religion combined with its welcoming attitude to strangers clinched the deciding vote.

    …Then you read the inspiring flesh and blood story of Rebecca and Louis’ contribution, and, as they say, the rest is history!

    Thanks doc!

  19. June 16, 2014

    Doctor Christian I just love it; the way that you never write your message without adding your piece about God. Each time you write, your message tells me that you are a man with deep faith in God–you are indeed putting His Love on display throughout your work, I have no doubt about this; and I encourage to continue in your work as God is guiding you to so–but to Him be the glory.

    This message here is one of the most beautiful piece which I have read from you–I read from the beginning to the end–I don’t always do that; not that I do not make sure that I have the main points; so I can post a comment.

    It is a fact that without God we can do nothing–or if we do any work, thinking that we did it by our own strength, our success will eventually, come to a collapse; in that man on the whole refuses to give God the glory which He deserves–but God has said: “No flesh shall glory in His presence”

    However when God is the primary conductor of our work–and we have acknowledged that “fact”, there is going to be no failure in our works–unless it is God’s plan to discipline and train our mind; just like He did with the man, Job in the Bible, for example.

    And so, I can perceive the ways of God in those two people of your message–I saw it as soon as I read Rebecca saying: “I prayed fervently for God’s healing” And I knew right at that she was a person with faith in God, putting on display, the attitude and conducts of Love, which are the ways of Life in Jesus Christ

    Well isn’t she healed? For the prophet Isaiah told us, more than 800 years before Jesus came to this Earth: “By His stripes we are healed”–that healing is for both, our physical and Spiritual body.

    And as in the Bible Jesus normally told the people whom He had healed: “Go into the temple and show yourself to the people”–that would be so, to build faith in Him through those people–especially the unbelieving Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees.

    That is exactly what God has commanded through Rebecca; she was healed by her faith in God–no matter what the physical methods He used to give her healing–and He has sent her out to show the world that in Him Life is real, Life true, Life is perfect, for Life is of Jesus Christ–His own flesh and blood–which is the “Supernatural Essence” known as Love. And Love is food for the Spirit which still stay firm and unbroken, hence a healthy Spirit will not dry the bones of the physical body.

    • June 16, 2014

      “It is only the grace of God (or sheer luck) for anyone on island who has not yet contracted Chikungunya. But the time is coming when this epidemic will no longer dominate headline news”–Dr. Sam Christian

      Doc, you probably do not realize that you have spoken by your faith to reveal your hope for the better to come, and I truly admire a person with that kind of attitude which you express.

      That is also what I believe to be “prophecy”. Unfortunately, for many, they will not take heed, but they continue to be like a “loud clanging cymbal” speaking the negative things which they receive from the negative minds –in their surroundings–those who are older than them .

      And no! Luck has nothing to do with “not contracting” that awful disease; luck is for winning the big lottery jackpots–I wish I had that kind of luck though, except that I don’t play the lottery.

      But God knows everyone of His people on earth; He knows those of us who are innocent, humble, and obedient, to acknowledge their fleshly weakness–He will show His mercy and compassion of Love to those people.

      God also has people on earth who are plagued with pride and self conceit–His job is to discipline and train those persons’ as I have already said above–regarding the man Job in the Bible. We must have mind condition that is able to receive our God of Life, that is the reason He must transform us by the renewing our mind

      Thank again, Dr. Christian for your enchanting messages–and don’t forget that you are “Doctor of God”–give Him the glory, just as I am doing here, for your messages provoke me to write the Words of the Gospel–this is my work of Evangelism, by God’s command. Blessings!

  20. Face It
    June 16, 2014

    Dr. Christian, for now what I have to state to you is, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, you’ve never been a mosquito.” :) Fitting, isn’t it and in many respects?
    I will inform you where I heard this saying which I occasionally mention under certain circumstances. Occasionally I listen to Jack Van Impe and Wife’s religious program. At the end of the program, Van Impe’s wife always ends with a wise statement which is worth remembering and putting into practice. It is an advice for listeners. Whenever I hear some wise sayings, ones I deem worthy, I either memorize them or make note of them for later referral.
    I hope this Chikungunya does not continue to spread. It is causing a health hazard to those they bite. Let us say, “Begone Chikungunya wherever you are.” I wish this could help.

  21. Francisco Telemaque
    June 15, 2014

    “Gone are the days when we were conditioned to think of Africa in terms of Tarzan swinging on vines to rescue Jane from the wild natives.”

    Doc boy, you are so full of humor, you me laugh so much, I feel like a kid again! You know some year ago I invited someone from my job to have diner with me. I like to bake, my own bread, especially what we call mastiff, my grandmother taught me how prepare and bake them. This lady eat some, and love my cooking.

    She took a few loaves home with her, of which she took to work with her the next day, and shared with a few of our coworkers. Some ask her “what’s that” they talked about how nice the tasted, where she bought the bread. My pointed to me and said he baked them, By the time the lunch break was over one woman ask me do you guy’s have flower in country?

    I thought how stupid a question she asked: I did not wish to insult her; so I responding by saying, you know we do not even have transportation such as cars, and truck: our means of transportation is pope! The foolish woman ask me what do you mean. I told her when we need to go from place to place in our country, we simply swing on a rope from tree to tree like Tarzan, screaming; wooooooooo, wooooooooooooooo, wooooooo. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah.

    To my surprise , the lady indulged me and ask me so, how did you get here? I told her, well they tied me unto the back of a big black bird, simply said to the bird of to America, and the bird had no problems finding it way to New York. My friend just sat there and enjoy me making a fool out of that woman ( I doh know if she believed me or not)!

    Francisco Etienne Telemaque

  22. immigraniada
    June 15, 2014

    what is the treatment for chikungunya?….according to World Health Organisation:
    There is no specific antiviral drug treatment for Chikungunya. Treatment is directed primarily at relieving the symptoms, including the joint pain using anti-pyretics, optimal analgesics and fluids. There is no commercial chikungunya vaccine.
    Source: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs327/en/
    I’m glad that everybody happy about Dominica healthcare system but in my view its very hypocritical approach: medical assistance is limited, PMH is badly equipped and although some doctors are truly honest and professional people, its impossible to provide comprehensive treatment on Dominica. If it werent the case, then your ministers wont be airlifted to neighbor islands and your PM wont have kid born in other country…so you can fancy yourself with highest percent of doctors per capita but if you have health problem you better be able to go some other island…

  23. Frenchy
    June 15, 2014

    I know Louis and Rebecca, I have met them at the Urgent
    Care. And I can see that they are going to be very good doctors. They are getting some very good exposure at Urgent Care. As a matter of fact they took care of me under the supervision of Doctor Christian, at the Urgent Care when I was sick on friday.
    I happen to look at a lot of Nigerian movies and it`s really nice to have them in our country and making contribution.
    Very good article once again doc.

    • lol
      June 15, 2014

      …no

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