Enugu Yellow Fever: Fear of Outbreak Grows in Nsukka, Isi-Uzo, Igbo-Etiti LGAs

Obiajulu Joel Nwolu

Following the confirmed cases of Yellow Fever in Enugu Ezike, Igbo North Local Government Area, LGA, of Enugu state by the state government, there are fears the outbreak might have extended to other towns after reports of unusual deaths in Nsukka, Isi-Uzo and Igbo-Etiti LGAs.

This was contained in a statement released on Sunday, signed by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Emmanuel Ikechukwu Obi.

Obi said the ministry had already taken samples of individuals suspected to be afflicted by the disease and sent them to the National Reference Laboratory at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja for complete examination.

The commissioner added that the results of the tests are expected this week as the government remains committed towards the health and safety of its citizens.

Speaking on the steps taken to ascertain the cause of the “strange deaths”, he said, “The Enugu State Ministry of Health Rapid Response Team, LGA Rapid Response Teams, International and National Partners have visited these LGAs to investigate the reports and take samples for testing just as was done for the reports at Igboeze North.

“The new set of samples from these LGAs have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory at the Federal Capital Territory Abuja for a thorough and complete examination to determine conclusively the reasons for these new set of reports and the results are expected back early this week.”

Dr Obi also condoled with families of the deceased saying, “Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those who have lost loved ones in these times, and we recommend that all adhere to the following Public Health Advisory: Yellow Fever is transmitted through mosquito bites, thus remove mosquito breeding sites around your environment

“Yellow Fever Vaccination is not for treatment of Yellow Fever, it is for prevention of Yellow Fever. If you have been recently vaccinated against Yellow Fever, you do not need to be vaccinated again. It takes 10 days or more for Yellow fever vaccine to start working after you have received it.

“If you or your loved one are not feeling well, please visit or take your loved one to a nearby hospital for treatment. Trained Health Workers can recognize most of the diseases of public health importance and know what to do.”

He thanked the Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, President Generals of town Unions, other stakeholders and the good people of Enugu State who have in so many ways continued to contribute to this expedited response to the Yellow Fever epidemic in Enugu State.

 

This post was written by Obiajulu Joel Nwolu.

The views expressed here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect our views and opinions.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *