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Nigerian health officials have confirmed a yellow fever case in a young girl in Oke Owa Community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

An Aedes aegypti mosquito prepares to bite a human. Image/USDA
An Aedes aegypti mosquito prepares to bite a human.
Image/USDA

The State Epidemiology Team has begun an investigation in the affected area and surrounding communities. A joint Team from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the World Health Organisation Country Office has been deployed to support the State in carrying out a detailed investigation and risk analysis. An Outbreak Control Team has also been constituted to ensure rapid and coordinated decision-making.

The Hon Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole has assured that all the Agencies of the Federal Ministry of Health and their partners will work together to support the Government of Kwara to respond in order to prevent further spread. A vaccination campaign is already being planned in the affected area to prevent further spread.

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The most important measure to take in preventing Yellow Fever is a vaccination against the disease. A single dose of Yellow Fever vaccine, which is included in Nigeria’s routine immunisation schedule given at nine-months is free and sufficient to confer sustained protection of up to 10 years.

‘Other methods of prevention include using insect repellent, sleeping under a long-lasting insecticide-treated net, ensuring proper sanitation and getting rid of stagnant water or breeding space for mosquitoes’, Adewole said.

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