Rumours

A recent study has revealed that kissing could be a possible reason behind gonorrhoea – the most antibiotic-resistant of all the sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This is the findings of a new study published in the journal ‘The Lancet’. Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoeae or gonococcus. It used to be known as “the clap”. The bacteria are mainly found in discharge from the joystick and in vaginal fluid. Gonorrhoea is easily passed between people through: unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex. The new study indicated that a significant and previously unrecognised route of transmission of the bacterial infection was kissing. In a report issued on June 6, 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said more than one million people catch a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or STI, every day across the globe, with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and syphilis of greatest concern. “On average, approx...

Dr Bello Kumo, a consultant Gastroenterologist with Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, says Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is more infectious than HIV. Kumo stated this in a paper entitled “Face to Face with Hepatitis B: Cost and Burden”, presented at a public lecture organised by Kashim Ibrahim Fellows (KIF) in Kaduna on Thursday. The consultant, who expressed concern that not many people have knowledge about the disease, added that multitude of patients were not identified early enough and managed. He explained that the virus could be transmitted through contact with blood and body fluid, adding that it could infect nearly everyone that came into contact with anyone suffering from it through sharp objects and open wounds. According to him, there is no known cure for chronic HBV, stressing that prevention remains the best option. He added that “but to prevent, people must first know their status so that if they are negative, they can be vaccinated, which gives u...