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An epidemic of haemorrhagic fever currently causing casualties in the state of Edo, LEADERSHIP learned Sunday.
According to the National Library of Medicine of the United States, like the Ebola virus, the Lassa virus causes a viral haemorrhagic fever. All viral haemorrhagic fevers share common features, including damage to blood vessels and damage to many organs of the body.
This disease, in recent days, has killed many people in communities, including Igeduma and Ekpoma, and around the state of Edo.
At the same time, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed yesterday the knowledge of an alleged outbreak of yellow fever in that state.
In a statement, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, chief executive officer of NCDC, said that after an epidemic of fever of unknown origin occurred in four administrative areas of Edo State, the public health team of the state had opened an investigation.
According to him, "on November 21, 2018, nine cases were positive for yellow fever.We await the confirmation results of the regional reference laboratory of WHO.
"The Edo State Epidemiology Team collaborates with NCDC, the National Agency for Primary Health Care Development (NPHCDA) and the Organization. World Health Organization (WHO) to conduct a detailed survey and respond to previously confirmed cases.
The NCDC has deployed a rapid response team to assist the state in seeking contacts, communicating risks and managing cases.A vaccination campaign is underway in the state in response to the case group. "
Ihekweazu explained that the yellow fever virus is transmitted by a mosquito infected by a bite, adding that it is a disease totally preventable by vaccination and that a single vaccine ensures immunity throughout life.
He added that the yellow fever vaccine is available free of charge at all primary health care centers in Nigeria.
"In addition to the vaccine, it is advisable for the public to keep its environment clean and free from standing water to discourage mosquito breeding and use insecticide-treated mosquito nets, screens on windows." and gates to prevent mosquito bites, "he warned.
Since September 2017, Nigeria has registered suspected cases of yellow fever in all states of the country. As of 11 November, 140 cases had been laboratory confirmed in Nigeria.
According to Ihekweazu, a yellow fever multi-agency emergency operations center was set up at NCDC to coordinate the response.
On the symptoms, the CEO said they include yellowing of the eyes, sudden fever, headaches and body pains. "If you have these symptoms or notice that someone in your community is showing them, contact the nearest health center.
"This week, our sister agency, NPHCDA, has launched a massive yellow fever vaccination campaign, targeting 26 million children and adults (aged 9 months to 44 years old) in six states: Niger , Plateau, Borno, Sokoto, Kebbi and the FCT.
"One dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifelong protection against the disease, we urge all Nigerians to be vaccinated and encourage their families and neighbors to do the same.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said the immunization of more than 26 million people was a big undertaking, but that feat will be a huge step forward. for the protection of people against life-threatening viral haemorrhagic disease, not only in Nigeria, but also in neighboring countries. African region.
"Nigeria is at the forefront of the global fight against yellow fever," said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, Vaccine Alliance.
The first phase of this yellow fever preventive mass vaccination campaign took place in January and February 2018 in the states of Kwara, Kogi and Zamfara and in parts of the Borno State.
About 8.7 million adults and children aged 9 months to 45 years were vaccinated. A total of 39.9 million people are expected to be vaccinated against yellow fever this year.
The campaign unfolds as Nigeria experiences a yellow fever epidemic. Since its launch in September 2017, confirmed cases have been registered in 27 local government areas in 14 states.
Nigeria is one of 50 partners pursuing the strategy of eliminating yellow fever epidemics (EYE). Under the leadership of WHO, Gavi and UNICEF, the strategy aims to protect populations at risk, prevent international spread and quickly control outbreaks.
As part of EYE, Nigeria has developed a 10-year strategic elimination plan to reduce the incidence of yellow fever epidemics and to vaccinate at least 80% of the target population in all states. here 2026.
However, the WHO said that Nigeria's routine yellow fever vaccination coverage remains extremely low. "In 2016, the national coverage of yellow fever vaccination for children aged 12 to 23 months was 39%."
However, said Dr. Olamide Adejuwon, a doctor in the state of Lagos, since the virus can be transmitted by handshakes and hugs, it is not advisable to do so as long as the disease does not occur. is not eradicated from the affected areas.
Adejuwon said Nigerians should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth. She said, "Viruses can get into your body that way and can make you sick.
"Since we do not know who has this disease, it is good to wash your hands with soap and water several times a day, especially after contact with other people.
"It is not advisable at the present time to eat food in the same bowl or drink in the same glass as other people.Use caution if you plan to eat. attending funerals where people sometimes handle dead bodies Those who live in particularly affected areas may decide not to attend the funeral of those who died as a result of sudden illness.
"Every public place should provide soap and running water mixed with small amounts of bleach so that everyone can wash their hands."
Dr. Adejuwon stated that if someone developed a fever, felt a strong body weakness, muscle pain, redness to the eyes, low blood pressure, blood noise, headache and sore throat followed by vomiting and stomach nobody should go immediately to the nearest hospital.
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