A family of eight suffering paralysis from a strange ailment in Gitata, Nasarawa State, may be going through a genetic or environmental challenge, a doctor has said.
The doctor, who pleaded anonymity, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that depending on the relationship between their parents, the children could be passing through a genetic condition.
“In a case where there is inter-marriage and same relations get married, it could have some implications in case they have some genes that will not manifest in one generation.
“In the next generation, such genes could pair for it to manifest and it could happen in a society where people closely related marry themselves.’’
The doctor said that if the problem was environmental, it could be the result of mining, agricultural activities, among other factors.
The doctor said it could also be as a result of conditions, including demyelisation.
A demyelinating disease is any disease the nervous system which the myelin sheath of neurons is damaged.
The damage impairs the conduction of signals in the affected nerves. In turn, the reduction in conduction ability causes deficiency in sensation, movement, cognition, or other functions depending on which nerves are involved.
The doctor suggested that the patients should see a neurologist to determine the possible cause, evaluate their conditions and initiate the next line of action.
Meanwhile, the family is living in isolation in the community.
A member of the community and a commercial motorcycle operator,, who identified himself as Adamu, described the condition of the family as a curse.
Adamu said the ailment was peculiar to the family and as such the members were on their own.
Another member of the community, Malam Idi, said the first son of the family, Danlami Danladi,, a cell phone repairer and seller of mobile phone accessories, was abandoned by the people as soon as his problem manifested.
“They were abandoned like mental patients to their destiny, there is no help for them look at where they live.
“Even the community leaders are silent on their case.’’
Malam Kabiru Jato, a former customer of Danlami’s, described him as a very good fellow who was always willing to assist not minding his disability.
Danlami told NAN that it had been difficult for them to cope with life, especially in the provision of the basic needs of life.
“But of all the challenges we have faced, I think the most surprising one is how much we have been abandoned by the community leaders, politicians, family, and friends.
“I used to have people around me before because I was a phone repairer before the sickness that has affected my hands.
“As a result of this, many of my customers have slowly distanced themselves from me and even abandoned some of their items.
“Many of them also showed frustration and hatred,’’ he said.
Danlami said two of his siblings had become recluses and remained indoors.
“You don’t realise how much you are missing until you see everyone else but yourself not able to do things,’’ he said.
NAN
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