Thread by @NphcdaNG

PSA: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE DELTA STATE YELLOW FEVER OUTBREAK IN COLLABORATION WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND PARTNERS.

On 30th October 2020, an outbreak of a mysterious illness was reported from Idumesah ward, Ika North East LGA of Delta state, south south, Nigeria. Idumesah, Ute-Okpu and Owa Oyigbo wards are the most affected of the seven (7) wards in the LGA that have recorded cases.

Date of onset of the first illness was 24th July, second reported case was 29th July and third was 23rd September, 2020.

The index case is a 16-year-old male who presented with fever, abdominal pains, jaundice, convulsions and haematemesis. So far 48 suspected cases have been line listed with 30 deaths all in Ika North East LGA. Most of the suspected cases have been reporting with similar symptoms.

Most of the suspected cases were within the 18 to 25 years bracket. Blood samples collected from eight (8) of the victims and screened at Irruah Specialist Hospital, Edo state have confirmed that three (3) of the six (6) samples tested (PCR) were positive for yellow fever (YF).

The index case and other cases tested have never received yellow fever vaccines.

To address the outbreak, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) under the leadership of Dr. Faisal Shuaib, in collaboration with the Delta state Government and partners have commenced immediate response to stop further spread

and resultant deaths from the disease in the affected and prone areas. Health workers and community members are currently being trained to commence immediate mass vaccination of age group 9 months to 44 years in Ika North East and Ika South LGAs from Tuesday 10th November, 2020.

The exercise will last for two (2) weeks. The mass yellow fever vaccination campaign will be extended to cover all the 25 LGAs in Delta state, beginning from 20th November, 2020.

The NPHCDA in collaboration with the FMoH, NCDC and development partners have just concluded the conduct of the mass yellow fever campaigns in Niger and Kogi states. The campaign is ongoing in Anambra state, to be concluded on Friday 13th November, 2020.

Plans have also been concluded to conduct the mass yellow fever campaigns in Cross River, Benue, Ebonyi, Ondo, Oyo and Osun states from 20th November, 2020.

Residents in these states (9 months to 44 years) are being targeted for the YF vaccination and are advised to ensure that they are immunized (with their children) during the period of the campaigns. The vaccines provided are free and safe to prevent against yellow fever disease.

• Yellow fever is a disease caused by a virus that is spread to humans through bites of an infected mosquito.
• Signs/symptoms of yellow fever; Sudden fever or chills, severe headache, back pain, muscle pain, general body ache, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and weakness.

Severe form of yellow fever disease include;
• High fever
• Jaundice (yellow discoloration
of the eyes and skin)
• Bleeding (especially from the
digestive tract), leading to eventual shock and failure of many organs like the kidney and liver.

• How long can the vaccine protect me from yellow fever?
A single dose by injection protects against the disease for a life time. Antibodies develop 14 days after injection. A booster dose can be taken during yellow fever outbreak.

• How is yellow fever identified?
Yellow fever is usually detected through blood tests done in a health facility.
• How can I protect myself against contracting yellow fever?
The most effective way to protect yourself is by getting vaccinated against yellow fever.

• Are there other measures I can take to protect myself against contracting yellow fever? In addition to getting vaccinated, you can also protect yourself from mosquito bites through the following measures: Use insecticides or insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites,

Wear protective clothing to reduce mosquito bites, Destroy breeding grounds of mosquitoes by eliminating standing water and shade in your environment, Sleep under a long-lasting insecticide treated net.

• Is the vaccine safe?
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is safe and 100 percent effective. It has been used for several decades.

The NPHCDA will continue working with the Government of Delta state, sister agency and development partners to ensure the disease is properly managed and spread curtailed.