Laycon, a housemate in the ongoing Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality show, has revealed that he suffers a mild form of sickle cell anaemia, sparking controversy on Twitter.

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The reality star brought this revelation to light during a conversation with Vee, his colleague.

“My genotype is SC (Sickle Cell), I don’t like to tell people my genotype because I feel they’d think I’m sick,” the singer, who is a graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), told Vee.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease of the red blood cells (RBCs) in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body of those who suffer the condition.

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If not properly managed, the condition could have devastating consequences for those afflicted with it’s early signs including swelling of the hands and feet; anaemia symptoms; fatigue, and jaundice.

Fans of the reality show have since taken to Twitter to register their different reactions.

While a segment of users think he’s speaking about it now to secure “sympathy votes”, others call out Erica, who was disqualified after a bust-up with the ‘Fierce’ crooner, for using his health status against him during their confrontation.

Laycon’s revelation also comes a few days to the BBNaija’s finals.

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“It’s only natural to believe Laycon brought up his genotype on the final week as a strategy to win him more votes but, hey let’s face it, knowing that Laycon is SC doesn’t even change the fact that the boy got game and he is walking away the winner sickle cell or not,” a user wrote.

Contrarily, another wrote: “If Laycon want make him talk say him get HIV, we will still support Dorothy to win. For the fact that she was nice to Kiddwaya, we are OK…no be only sickle cell.”

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It is believed that those with SC outlive those with SS genotypes and have fewer painful episodes. But this disorder is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, especially after age 30.

Below are fans’ reactions:

 



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