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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control  (NCDC) is reporting a suspected outbreak of yellow fever in Edo State.

Image/Robert Herriman
Image/Robert Herriman

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. Confirmatory results from the WHO Regional Reference Laboratory are pending.

The Edo State Epidemiology Team is working with the 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.

Nigeria rolls out massive yellow fever vaccination campaign

The NCDC has deployed a rapid response team to support the State with active case search, 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.

Image/CDC
Image/CDC

Since September 2017, Nigeria has recorded suspected cases of yellow fever in all states in the country. As at the 11th of November, 140 cases have been laboratory confirmed in Nigeria.

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 to all children under one year as part of the routine immunisation schedule in 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.