NCDC confirms yellow fever outbreak in Edo

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed an outbreak of the yellow fever in Edo State.

In a statement signed by Chikwe Ihekweazu, chief executive officer (NCDC) as at November 21, nine persons had tested positive to yellow fever in four local government areas (LGAs) in Edo State following its recent outbreak.

The Centre, also, disclosed that samples from the nine cases have been sent to the World Health Organisation Regional Reference Laboratory for reconfirmation.

“The state public health team has commenced investigation following the report of an outbreak of fever of unknown origin and the Edo State Epidemiology Team is working with NCDC, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and WHO to carry out a detailed investigation and response to the already confirmed cases,” Ihekweazu said.

Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Symptoms of yellow fever include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Ihekweazu said the NCDC has deployed a rapid response team to support the state with contact tracing, risk communications and management of cases.

“There are also ongoing plans to begin a vaccination campaign in the state in response to the cluster of cases,” he said.

Ihekweazu further said that a multi-agency yellow fever Emergency Operations Centre has been established at NCDC to coordinate the response.

“If you have these symptoms or notice someone in your community displaying them, please contact your nearest health centre.

“This week, our sister agency, NPHCDA flagged off a large yellow fever vaccination campaign, targeting 26 million children and adults (aged 9 months to 44 years) in six states: Niger, Plateau, Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi and the FCT.

“One dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides for life-long protection against the disease. We urge all Nigerians to get vaccinated and encourage their families, and neighbours to do the same,” he said.

The statement also revealed that since September 2017, Nigeria has recorded suspected cases of yellow fever in all states in the country, with140 cases already confirmed in Nigeria.

“Yellow fever virus is spread through bites by infected mosquitoes. It is a completely vaccine preventable disease and a single shot provides immunity for a lifetime. The yellow fever vaccine is freely available in all primary healthcare centers in Nigeria.

The symptoms of yellow fever include yellowness of the eyes, sudden fever, headache and body pain.

“In addition to the vaccine, the public are advised to keep their environments clean and free of stagnant water to discourage the breeding of mosquitoes and use insecticide treated mosquito nets, screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquito bites,” the statement read.

ANTHONIA OBOKOH