NCDC Confirms Yellow Fever Outbreak In Edo

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on
Saturday announced the outbreak of yellow fever
in Edo.
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Chief Executive Officer,
NCDC, in Abuja in a statement, said that
following the report of an outbreak of fever of
unknown origin in four Local Government Areas,
public health team commenced investigation on
November 21 and nine cases tested positive for
yellow fever.
He added that the Edo epidemiology team would
be working with the NCDC and other relevant
agencies to carry out detailed investigation and
response to the already confirmed cases.
According to him, the NCDC has deployed a
rapid response team to support the state with
contact tracing, risk communications and
management of cases.
Ihekweazu said: “There are ongoing plans to
begin vaccination campaign in the state in
response to the cluster of cases.
“Yellow fever virus is spread through bites by an
infected mosquito. 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 health care centres in Nigeria.”
Ihekweazu therefore advised the public 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.
He said: “Since September 2017, Nigeria has
recorded suspected cases of yellow fever in all
states in the country.
“As at November 11, 140 cases have been
laboratory confirmed in Nigeria. A multi-agency
yellow fever Emergency Operations Centre has
been established at NCDC to coordinate the
response.
“The symptoms of yellow fever include
yellowness of the eyes, sudden fever, headache
and body pain. 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
nine months to 44 years) in Niger, Plateau,
Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi and the FCT.”
Ihekweazu added that one dose of the yellow
fever vaccine provides for life-long protection
against the disease.
He said: “We urge all Nigerians to get vaccinated
and encourage their families, and neighbours to
do the same.”
He also reassured all Nigerians that NCDC would
continue to work with States and partners
nationwide to ensure that the outbreak is
curtailed.