Twenty people have been killed in the suspected outbreak of yellow fever in Ebonyi state, while some 78 cases recorded across states, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed.
The Centre, reacting to reported cases and deaths in Izzi Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi said an investigation launched by the state’s public health team revealed that there had been cases that fit into the case definition for Yellow fever and 20 deaths between May 1 and August 7, 2019.
The Director General (DG), NCDC, Chikwe Ihekweazu in a statement on Saturday said the findings from the investigation indicates that the outbreak may have been going on for a few months undetected by local health authorities, adding that it was too late to collect samples for confirmation from the cases.
He informed that as at the 31st July, three cases had tested positive for Yellow fever at the NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory, which triggered an immediate response.
Ihekweazu said upon notification, the NCDC immediately deployed a rapid response team to support Ebonyi State with contact tracing, case finding, risk communications and the management of cases.
Ihekweazu said the State Epidemiology Team is leading the response with support from the NCDC, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He further informed that a detailed analysis and plans are in advanced stages to apply to the international vaccine stockpile to enable a reactive vaccination campaign in Ebonyi state, in response to the cluster of cases.
The DG however explained that yellow fever virus is spread through bites of an infected mosquito, while noting that there is no human-to-human transmission of the virus. He adeed that Yellow fever is a completely vaccine preventable disease and a single shot provides immunity for a lifetime.
He reminded that the yellow fever vaccine is available for free in primary health care centres in Nigeria as part of the routine immunisation schedule.
“Every child is protected for life if vaccinated. We encourage every family to ensure that children receive all their childhood vaccines”, he said.
He added, “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.”
“It is important to avoid self-medication, visit a health facility immediately if you feel ill”, he warned
The DG further reminded healthcare workers that 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”, he urged Nigerians.
Ihekweazu recalled that since September 2017, Nigeria has recorded suspected cases of Yellow fever in all States in the country. According to him, as at 31st of July 2019, 78 cases have been laboratory confirmed in Nigeria in 2019 alone.
He noted that a multi-agency Yellow fever technical working group coordinated by NCDC, has been leading the investigation and response to Yellow fever cases, while the National Primary Health Care Agency is leading efforts to provide an additional opportunity of vaccination through preventive vaccination campaigns across the country.
Godsgift Onyedinefu, Abuja
