Common Diseases in Nigerian Schools
Many schools in Nigeria, particularly public and underfunded private institutions, continue to battle poor health conditions that affect the academic performance and wellbeing of students. Overcrowded classrooms, inadequate sanitation, poor water supply, and lack of regular health education make students vulnerable to numerous preventable diseases. This article explores the common diseases in Nigerian schools, their causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and what roles parents, teachers, and government can play in tackling them.
1. Malaria
Malaria is the most prevalent disease among school-aged children in Nigeria. It is caused by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. In many schools, stagnant water and bushes around classrooms create a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Symptoms: High fever, chills, sweating, headache, vomiting, and body pain.
Prevention: Schools should ensure proper drainage, clear overgrown bushes, and sensitize students on using mosquito repellents or sleeping under insecticide-treated nets at home.
2. Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria. It spreads through contaminated water and food, especially in schools where hygiene is poor and students eat from nearby vendors without proper sanitation monitoring.
Symptoms: High and prolonged fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, and general weakness.
Prevention: Drinking treated or boiled water, avoiding food from unhygienic sources, and washing hands before and after meals.
3. Chickenpox
This highly contagious viral infection is very common among children and teenagers in schools. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person or through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing.
Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, and an itchy rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters.
Prevention: Timely vaccination, maintaining good personal hygiene, and isolating infected students until they fully recover.
4. Measles
Measles is another viral disease that spreads quickly in schools, especially when students are not vaccinated. It can lead to serious health complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, or even death if not properly treated.
Symptoms: High fever, runny nose, red and watery eyes, cough, and a red rash that starts on the face and spreads.
Prevention: The most effective way to prevent measles is through immunization. Parents should ensure their children receive the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine.
5. Respiratory Infections
Respiratory tract infections such as the common cold, catarrh, bronchitis, and even tuberculosis spread fast in overcrowded and poorly ventilated classrooms. Sharing handkerchiefs, cups, and close contact worsens the spread.
Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, sore throat, shortness of breath, and nasal congestion.
Prevention: Ensure good ventilation in classrooms, discourage sharing of personal items, and educate students on covering their mouths when sneezing or coughing.
6. Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, scalp, or nails. It is common among schoolchildren due to poor hygiene and sharing of personal items like towels, combs, and uniforms.
Symptoms: Circular, red, scaly, and itchy rashes on the skin, often leading to hair loss if on the scalp.
Prevention: Encourage students to maintain personal hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, and seek treatment at the early stage of infection.
7. Diarrhea
Diarrhea, often caused by bacteria or viruses from contaminated food and water, is common in schools with dirty toilets and poor access to clean drinking water. It can lead to dehydration, which is dangerous for young children.
Symptoms: Frequent loose or watery stools, stomach cramps, and sometimes vomiting.
Prevention: Regular handwashing, clean toilet facilities, safe drinking water, and teaching students to avoid eating uncovered food from the roadside.
8. Conjunctivitis (Apollo)
Conjunctivitis, commonly called Apollo in Nigeria, is an inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva. It spreads through direct contact with infected tears, towels, or hands.
Symptoms: Redness of the eye, discharge, itching, and sometimes blurry vision.
Prevention: Avoid rubbing eyes with dirty hands, do not share handkerchiefs, and isolate infected students until they are treated.
Other Health Concerns in Schools
Beyond the diseases listed above, some students also suffer from:
- Head lice infestations due to sharing of combs and sleeping materials.
- Skin infections like scabies from overcrowded hostels.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) especially among female students due to dirty toilets.
Role of the School in Disease Prevention
Schools have a big role to play in preventing the spread of these diseases. Health education should be made part of the curriculum. Health inspections and hygiene monitoring should be carried out regularly.
Schools should:
- Keep toilets clean and provide water for handwashing.
- Ensure proper waste disposal.
- Partner with local health centers for student health checks.
- Educate students about personal hygiene through health talks and posters.
What Parents Can Do
- Make sure children are vaccinated on time.
- Give children nutritious food to build strong immunity.
- Encourage cleanliness at home and in school.
- Visit the school regularly to ensure the environment is safe and clean.
Conclusion
The health of students must not be overlooked. When students fall sick, it affects their ability to learn, attend classes, and perform well. Tackling the common diseases in Nigerian schools requires collective effort from school authorities, parents, communities, and government health agencies. By creating cleaner school environments, promoting hygiene, and enforcing health policies, we can reduce the spread of preventable diseases and improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
Related Articles:
- The Health Dangers of Self-Medication in Nigeria
- How Poor Sanitation is Affecting Students’ Health in Nigerian Schools
- 10 Common Health Mistakes Young Nigerians Make Without Knowing
