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Nigeria has registered more than 1,640 suspected yellow fever cases and 41 confirmed cases, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) regional reference laboratory in Dakar, Senegal, the agency said National Primary Health Care Development (NPHCDA).
Meanwhile, about seven states in the country have reported the yellow fever outbreak. The following states are: FCT, Kogi, Anambra, Nasarawa, Zamfara, Edo and Benue.
Dr. Faisal Shuaib, executive director of NPHCDA, said yesterday in Abuja that the government had enough vaccines to contain the yellow fever outbreak because about 6 million doses were in its stocks and additional doses were been added.
"There is a global stockpile of vaccine for such epidemics.Vaccines are supposed to be for prevention, Nigeria is one of the African countries at high risk of yellow fever.Therefore there is a vaccine stock and one last time it is about 6 million doses, plus additional doses of vaccine. "
Shuaib, who said the government was ready to ensure the local production of vaccines, revealed that the federal government had committed to establish a benchmark laboratory in the country in the next six months to reduce logistical difficulties related to the transport of samples and waiting times of laboratories, as well as the response time and consequently the morbidity and mortality rates.
The DE, which noted that Nigeria is one of 27 African countries at high risk of yellow fever, said all agencies involved were working quickly to contain the spread and prevent further outbreaks.
He observed that the country has experienced sporadic outbreaks of yellow fever since September 12, 2017, when the first case was confirmed in a 7-year-old child of the LGA of Ifelodun, in the state of Kwara. At present, more than 1,640 suspected cases are listed, of which 41 have been confirmed by the WHO Regional Reference Laboratory in Dakar, Senegal.
According to him, a third (3rd) mbad preventive vaccination campaign is underway with a target group of 9 months – 44 years old in Sokoto, Federal Capital Territory, Plateau and some LGAs not covered during the last vaccination campaign in the country. Niger and Kebbi. The vaccination began on November 22, 2018 and is expected to last until December 1, 2018 ".
He added that Edo's recent report on a fever of unknown origin was also the subject of an investigation, adding that tests performed in laboratories at the Nigeria had shown that 9 of the tested samples were positive for yellow fever and that, therefore, samples had been sent to Dakar. Senegal for confirmation in order to react quickly to the epidemic.
He added that NPHCDA, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), the Edo State Epidemiology Team, the World Health Organization and other international development partners are cooperating to rapidly comprehensive investigation and respond appropriately to the situation on the ground.
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