NCDC: Nine cases of yellow fever discovered in Edo

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has launched an investigation into an outbreak of the yellow fever virus in Edo state.

According to a statement signed by Chikwe Ihekweazu, chief executive officer, NCDC, the centre is collaborating with the Edo state epidemiology team, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to carry out a detailed investigation and response to confirmed cases.

As at November 21, nine cases had been recorded in four different local government areas of the state, with 140 cases confirmed nationwide through laboratory testing. 

The NCDC said a response team has been established 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,” the statement read.

Yellow fever virus is usually spread through bites from an infected mosquito. 

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

It is a completely vaccine-preventable disease and a single shot provides immunity for a lifetime. 

The NCDC advises Nigerians to prevent the spread of the virus by keeping 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 agency said the yellow fever vaccine is freely available in all primary health care centres in Nigeria.