The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control is aware of a suspected outbreak of yellow fever in Edo State.
Following the report of an outbreak of fever of unknown origin in four Local Government Areas in Edo state, the state public health team commenced investigation. On the 21st of November 2018, nine cases tested positive for yellow fever.
We await confirmatory results from the WHO Regional Reference Laboratory.
The Edo State Epidemiology Team is working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and World Health Organisation (WHO) to carry out a detailed investigation and response to the already confirmed cases.
The NCDC has deployed a rapid response team to support the State with contact tracing, risk communications and management of cases. There are ongoing plans to begin a 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.
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.
For further information:
NCDC Toll-free Number: 0800-970000-10
SMS: 08099555577
WhatsApp: 07087110839
Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov
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