ALL ABOUT THE ZIKA VIRUS

                           


ALL ABOUT THE ZIKA VIRUS
    In 1947,Scientists researching  for yellow fever, placed a rhesus macaque in a cage in Zika forest (Zika means overgrown in Lugandan language) near the east African virus research institute in Entebbe, Uganda .The monkey developed a rare fever and researchers in the course of discovery, isolated from its serum a rare transmissible agent known as Zika virus in 1952. little did the researchers know that the rare transmissible virus would later turn to an epidemic that  would terrorize countries 55yrs later.
   Zika virus (Zika V) is a member of flaviridae family and flavirus genus transmitted by daytime Aedes mosquitoes such as A.aegypti.
  In humans, the virus causes a mild illness known as Zika fever ,has since the 1950's when it was isolated  was rare and unnoticed. In 2014,the virus spread eastwards across the pacific ocean to Europe. In 2015 pandemic levels of the Zika outreach has reached the Polynesia ,the Caribbean and South America. In 2016,the U.S centers for disease control and prevention issued travel guidelines on affected countries in a bid of curbing the spread of the virus in the U.S. .Most Latin American countries has also issued strict travel guidelines and advised women to postpone getting pregnant until more is known about the virus. The Nigerian Governing are also planning travel restrictions on its citizens travelling abroad. The  Zika was isolated from humans for the first time in Nigeria in 1968. 
 DESCRIPTION OF THE VIRUS: The Virus is enveloped and icosahedral in shape. It has a non segmented ,Single stranded positive RNA genome that is close related to the sponwendi virus.
TRANSMISSION OF THE VIRUS: Zika virus is transmitted by daytime-active mosquitoes and has been isolated from a number of species in the genus Aedes, such as A.aegypti, A.africanus etc. It can also be transmitted by sexual contact.
CLINICAL SYMPTOMS: Clinical symptoms include mild headache, maculopapular rash, fever, malaise, conjunctivitis and malaise.
LINK TO MICROENCEPHALY AND OTHER NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS:
     In December 2015,it was suspected that trans placental infection of the fetus may lead  to microencephaly(a neurodevelopmental disorder which leads to an abnormal growth of the brain of the unborn child or fetus).Complication of Zika virus may lead to Gullain-Barre's disease (This is a rapid onset of muscle weakness as a result of damage to the peripheral nervous system)
CURE FOR ZIKA VIRUS: Presently there is no cure for the Zika virus, Neither is there a vaccine for it .Nikos Vasilakus of the Biodefense and Emerging infectious has predicted  that 10 to 12yrs may be needed, before an effective Zika vaccine is available for public use.   







          

STRANGE!!!!! INDIAN POLICE ARREST PARROT FOR CURSING AN 85-YR-OLD WOMAN

    

STRANGE!!!!!!!
INDIAN POLICE ARREST PARROT FOR CURSING AN 85 -YR-OLD WOMAN
      A times we hear stories shocks ,amazes or  wow us. But most of the stories are true. This is because we now live in the world where the unthinkable happen. It sounds bird brained but recently, police officers detained a parrot for allegedly cursing an 85-year-old woman.
    The parrot's name is "Hariyal" and he was reportedly trained for the finest point of obscenity by his owner, Suresh Sakharkar, for the sole purpose of abusing his 85-year old stepmother, Janabai
 " On seeing me ,the parrot uses bad language and foul words .That is why I have complained in the last two years," the  woman told ZeeNews.com.
    "Police called me, Suresh and the parrot to the police station .Police should investigate and seize the parrot,"
  The woman claimed her stepson trained the parrot to curse her because of an ongoing land dispute between the families. Officers were not exactly able to question the parrot, but they did want to see if the bird would let the f-bombs fly in police custody.
  "We watched the parrot carefully but it did not utter a word at the police station after being confronted by the complainant," Police Inspector PS Dongre told New Delhi Television Limited.
    Despite the lack of proof , officers decided the woman's "harassed mental condition " was enough reason to remove the allegedly foul-mouthed parrot from its owner and hand him over to forestry officials, according to NDTV.

HE SACRIFICED HIS SON IN A BID TO SAVE HIS SON'S FRIEND

HE SACRIFICED HIS SON IN A BID TO SAVE HIS SON'S FRIEND

   After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymn, the church's pastor once again slowly stood up,  walked over to the pulpit and gave a brief introduction of his childhood friend. With that an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit to speak.
    He began,'' A father ,his son and a friend of his were sailing off the pacific coast ,when a fast - approaching storm blocked any attempt to go back to shore. The waves were so high that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat uptight, and the three were swept into the ocean.
     The old man hesitated for a moment ,making eye contact with two teenagers who were ,for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in the story.
   "Grabbing a rescue line," he continued , "the father had to make the most excruciating decision in his life .....to which boy he would throw to the end of the line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a strong Christian, and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The son's friend had been rebellious and had rejected the message of salvation.
   " The agony of this decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves .As he yelled out ,'I love you son!' he threw the line to his son's friend. By the time he pulled his son into the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beyond the raging swells into the black of the night .His body was never recovered."
      By this time the two teenagers were siting straighter in the pew, waiting for the next words to come out of the old man's mouth.
  "The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus, and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son. How great is the  love of God  that he should do the same for us."
   With that , the old man turned and sat back in his chair as silence filled the room. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenage boys were at the old man's side. "That is a nice story" they politely started "but we don't think it realistic for a man to give up his son for the son's friend to be a Christian" A big smile broadened the old man's face, looking up to the boys he said "It sure isn't realistic ,is it? But I am standing here to tell you that THAT particular story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up his Son for me. You see........ I was the son's friend"

Tobechukwu Achufusi's Blog: The Presence Of God

Tobechukwu Achufusi's Blog: The Presence Of God: There is a presence great men seek. A presence that separates men of value from mere men. A presence that Open doors, blaze...

GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM) HAS A POWERFUL HEALING EFFECT ON FRIGIDITY
  Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD) also known as Candace syndrome or Frigidity is a disorder characterized by a persistent or recurrent inability to attain sexual arousal or to maintain arousal until the completion of a sexual activity. This diagnosis can also refer  to an lubrication-swelling response during arousal and sexual activity.
     Distinguishing factors include (1) Little interest in sex (2)Few thoughts related to sex (3) Decreased start and rejection of sex (4) little pleasure during sex or after sex (5) Decreased interest in sex even when exposed to erotic stimuli (6)Little genital sensations  during sex most of the time .
     Causes include (1)Impact of events during childhood  and Adolescence: This might be due to post traumatic experiences like child abuse or rape leading to sexual dysfunction.
(2)Individual Factors :Factors such as stress and gender identity ,lesbianism might lead to frigidity .
(3)Social Context: Past experience and personal psychology falls into this category. This might also be due to fear of getting pregnant .

TREATMENT
    Take a teaspoon of Donquai and Ginseng each with cloves of garlic daily. This helps in a marked increase in sexual arousal and a reduction in frigidity

THE MEDICINAL POWER OF GARLIC (2)

(1) CURE FOR MALARIA
     Garlic is a natural and has been used to treat malaria as well as many other diseases. Use pawpaw leaves, Dogonyaro, Lemongrass, Orange peels ,Bitter leaves, Goat weed , Mango leaves and Guava leaves . Rinse them properly ,add water and boil. Take a glass of it 3times daily with garlic juice.

(2)COUGH AND SORE INSECT BITES
    Crush a whole bulb's worth of Garlic cloves into a bowl and then cover the crushed garlic with honey (Just enough to cover it ).Cover it and let it stay overnight (you could probably use some of it after a few hours).Take by a spoonful as needed ,as you would a cough syrup. For Sore throats crush some fresh garlic and place it on boiling water and place your head close to the steaming bowl and inhale the steam .You would have a soothing and rapid relief.

(3)BUG/INSECT BITES
     Cut a slice of raw garlic and rub the place that was bitten with the wet juicy side. This is very effective when the bite has become slightly infected as well.

(4)EAR ACHE/EAR INFECTION
       Place a few drops of Garlic oil in each ear (even if the ear ache is only on one ear).Hold this in place with a cotton boll. Repeat this several times until a marked improvement is observed . Do this for a minimum of 3times daily.

(5) PIMPLES
       Rub a small slice of garlic (especially the wet side)directly on the pimple before going to bed.Alternatively you can get a garlic capsule break it and use it for this purpose 2times daily.
(6)ARTHRITIS
        When taken regularly(either in raw or capsule form).Garlic acts an anti-inflammatory herb and is known to give a significant relief from arthritic pain.

THE MEDICINAL POWER OF GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM)

THE  MEDICINAL POWER OF GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM)

Wonderful effects and healing power has been ascribed to garlic. It possesses stimulant and stomachic properties in addition to its other virtues. Research proves that garlic is a valuable aid to keep the heart and blood vessels healthy.
    In addition in keeping the heart and blood vessels healthy ,research has proved that garlic lowers your blood pressure, lowers your cholesterol, fends off respiratory infections, infections of the urinary tract and digestive tract. Bacteria known to be susceptible to garlic in the test tube include species from staphylococcus, Eschericha, Proteus, Salmonella, Providencia, Citrobacter, kiebsella, Hafnia ,Aeromonas, Vibrio and Bacillus genera, Microsporum, Epidermophyton, Trichophyton, Rhodontorula, Torulopsis, Cryptococcus neoformans e.t.c.
  In addition to the below list of ailments, research also shows miraculous properties in treating metal poisoning .Equally has been known for its anticancer and tumor properties.
  Besides garlic destroys various types of bacteria, The U.S. Dept of Agriculture's Human Nutrition centre in Beltsville, M.D.has demonstrated that the herb can not only reduce levels of blood fat, but blood sugar too at the same time increasing the level of insulin in the blood. In subsequent articles I will stress more about the Medicinal power of this wonder herb in the treatment of various ailments and its vital importance in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

FORGIVEN ,FORGOTTEN ,FOREVER!!!!(THE BILLY GRAHAM STORY)

FORGIVEN, FORGOTTEN ,FOREVER !!!!( THE BILLY GRAHAM STORY)

  Several years ago Doctor Billy Graham  and his family were heading towards Miami in their family car .As they along, they went through a little town where a policeman pulled them over for going forty-five miles per hour in a thirty-five mile-per hour speed zone.
    The Policeman said," Follow me ".Dr Graham did as he was instructed to do and followed the officer to the town's justice of the peace. The Justice of the peace also served as the town's barber, so the policeman proceeded to the policeman proceeded to the barbershop. As the entered the tiny shop, the justice of the peace motioned in the direction of an empty seat and said, "Sit down. Ill be with you in a minute".
  Dr Graham took a seat and waited for the barber(who was also the justice of the peace)to finish shaving the man seated at the barber's chair.
   As soon as he finished  shaving the man, the justice of the peace pulled off his apron and made his way to the direction of the nearby table .He sat down, picked up the gavel   and said," the court is now in session". As the gavel rang out, affirming that court was in session, he asked "what's the charge?" .The policeman stepped forward and stated that the charge was speeding.
   The justice of the peace turned and looked at Dr Graham and inquired, "Guilty or not guilty?"
  "Guilty,Your honour,?"Dr .Graham responded as he reached into hid pocket to retrieve some money to pay thefine.As the justice of the peace looked at him, and said "Don't I know you?" he asked ."I hope not Sir" Dr Graham replied .The man continued "Aren't you BillyGraham the preacher?" Reluctantly Dr Graham said,"Iam sorry to admit Sir I  am."
 "Put it there ,the man said cordially,"I listen to you every Sunday afternoon on the radio, and I think you are doing a wonderful job"
 Thinking he had found a friend, they chatted for minutes when Graham was about living ,the justice of the peace smile suddenly faded and with a stern voice said" That will be ten dollars, please a dollar for every mile you were over the speed. but you what, I really like you a lot. although I have filled the citation myself, ILL PAY THE FINE FOR YOU". Just like Dr Graham, you and I deserved the full penalty of the law. But Christ the Son of God, took our place, and through his death on Calvary's tree He said ,"Wait a minute .Ill pay the price." AND THAT WAS SALVATION!!! Romans5:1-2

THE JANUARY 15 COUP: THE BEGINING OF MARGINALIZATION IN IGBO LAND

JANUARY 15 1966 COUP: THE BEGINING OF MARGINALIZATION OF NDI IGBO

Whenever I see Soldiers in their neatly pressed uniforms performing parade during the Armed forces remembrance day ,I remember with sadness the bitter aftermath of the first bloody coup of January 15 1966, which brought more harm than good to the Igbo race.
  Its conspirators mostly of Igbo stock and a Yoruba officer, overthrew the incumbent Abubakar Tafawa Balewa's   government ,killing the Prime Minister, The Premier of the western region, The Premier of the Northern region ,The Minister of finance and others. According to the conspirators, the men at the helm of affairs were running Nigeria around with their corrupt ways. Most of these men were murdered right in front of their families (an inhuman act one would do to a fellow man)
 I have never seen such an ill-timed ,unorganized ,pointless and prejudiced coup(This is because most of the corrupt Igbo politicians were not killed or were they saints?) in the history of this nation and its effect is greatly felt by Ndi Igbo today. The coup further intensified corruption which they erroneously thought they fought against and also started the marginalization of Ndi Igbo.
     I hope the conspirators of the coup (most of them dead )would be sober reflecting in their graves the aftermath of their stupidity in staging such a pointless coup. The aftermath brought upon harsh irreparable casualties in the helm of things.
   First was the mass murder of senior Igbo officers during the counter coup of Yakubu Gowon and the pogrom against Igbo settlers living in the north, in which lives and properties worth millions were lost(such incessant killings against Ndi Igbo still persists till date in the north.) The Economic setback on the Igbo nation immediately after the civil war (leading to most Igbos not owning key companies in the country because of the ruse of the indigenization policy) and the crux of it all the Nigerian civil war (popularly known as the Biafra war amongst easterners) in which atrocities committed still sends horror chills to the spines of both those that saw it and those that read or heard about it.(youths are still being killed because of the Biafra struggle in the east till date).
    I would say that the conspirators of the coup, sowed the ill wind of woes  that is still blowing nobody any good in Igbo land. We are still reaping the whirlwind of it till date. The stirred the hornet's nest and left when the sting of the of the hornets became unbearable . I wish they were still alive to see the great harm they have done to our people for such a stupid action.