A Kurkura, a local gargling substance has reportedly paralyzed a businessman in Kano state.
Daily News 24 reports that the traditional mixture is being sold to residents as energizer.
Dan Kasuwa (not real name) a businessman in one of the markets in Kano who gargles ‘a kurkura’ when he feels weaker and not active in his daily hustling and bustling is one now one of the victims.
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While interacting with Journalists, Dan Kasuwa (not real name) said he obtained the local mixture from his business mates to spice up his day and get energy.
“On Friday, I went to the market and obtained ‘a kurkura’ from my colleagues. They do gargle it constantly, but I did it once. I saw it and took it for a second time, then I felt nausea and vomited.
“I vomited heavily, and my body shivered. I was then rushed home as the situation became worse.
“I slept till 1 am but later felt I could not rise. Throughout the night, things get even worrier.
“On Saturday, I was then rushed to Murtala Specialist Hospital. I saw a doctor but was later referred to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
“Doctor scanned me because my left hand and leg were no more functioning. I had paralysis.” He narrated.
Dan Kasuwa (not real name) has lived in regret since the incident occurred. He called on other users of the local mixture to desist from doing so immediately.
“I feel regret. I am calling on anyone who uses the gargling mixture to stop it immediately. It is not good for our health.” He said.
Pharmacists Najib Bello, Chairman Community Pharmaceutical Association of Nigeria had examined the case. He expressed dismay over misuse of locally made mixtures by residents without proper knowledge.
“The local traditional substance is been sold across the state for a long time but probably the means of preparation and concentration is higher.
“People seem not to ask questions before using such drugs, what chemicals are been used, and where they are been produced.
“Now this gargling substances is likely to have what we call ‘excitation’ since the city scan has shown that it affected the brain.
“We are now trying to trace the source of the mixture to know what it is.” He said.
The use of traditional medicines is believed to be very effective on ailments but the case of Dan Kasuwa (not real name) is different.
The Pharmacists compared the intake of the mixture to soak and dye which also affects the brain.
“This is similar to the intake of soak and dye as it also affects the brain directly”. He added.
A resident of Kano also claims anonymity said he was a victim of ‘a kurkura’ but was not hospitalized.
“I was a victim long time ago. I gargled the mixture and it travels into my brain causing me nausea and vomitting. Everyone around me was scared as they thought I was not going to survive it.” He narrated.
The intake of ‘a kurkura’ has continued in most public places, especially markets.
Whether or not the local gargling mixture would be banned would be determined by time.
