Yellow Fever: NCDC warns of new cases of deadly virus from mosquito bites
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has notified the Nigerian populace of the rising cases of yellow fever.
The new record of this deadly virus from mosquito bites, known as yellow fever, corresponds to the recent news of cholera outbreak spreading across almost the entire 36 states of the nation.
Speaking on the two separate new cases of disease, the NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, in an announcement in Abuja, stated that the unit had recorded a little decline in cholera cases in the past few weeks.
Idris credited the achievement to the concerted efforts of both States and federal health workers; and, however, he warned that Nigerians should equally play their own parts to stay protected as the spread of cholera gets worse during the period of heavy rain.
Dr. Idris revealed newly reported cases of yellow fever in two Nigerian states, where he said two persons were infested with the disease in Ekiti State and one in Bayelsa.
Additionally, he bemoaned the problems associated with lack of real-time reporting from those affected areas due to poor access to technological surveillance.
“Three presumptive positive cases have been reported—two in Ekiti State and one in Bayelsa—along with one death. Yellow fever, a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, presents symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, back pain, body aches, and jaundice,” Dr. Idris said.
Emphasising on the importance of immunization as one of the needed proactive solutions, he advised Nigerian populace to clothe themselves properly during the cold spells — use effective mosquito repellents, and ensure they are timely vaccinated against yellow fever and Cholera.
Dr. Idris notifies the public of the possible quick spread of cholera and and yellow fever due to the rainy season, especially heavy rainfall.
“Floodwaters often carry pathogens from soil, animal waste, and sewage into water sources, compromising water quality and leading to disease outbreaks,” he enlightened.
“Flooding also creates breeding conditions for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever.”
Dr. Idris called on the attention of Nigerian government at both levels to work drainage systems to prevent accumulation of sewage and clogged waste waterways and provide citizens with adequate access to clean water.
He encouraged the public, various government agencies, healthcare workers and relevant stakeholders to prioritize their efforts in collectively promoting a healthy, liveable environment for the good health of all Nigerians.
What measures does the NCDC provide Nigerians for the prevention of Yellow Fever and Cholera?
In recent articles published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC, Nigerian citizens were provided with comprehensive guidelines on ways to avoid contracting these diseases ( Cholera and Yellow Fever), which includes draining all stagnant water, and drinking only boiled water stored in dirt-free containers.
The rest of the outlined safety methods include seeking medical attention for any usual change in ones stool, washing your hands, keeping a hygienic surrounding, eating only well-cooked foods, and properly disposing waste immediately after they are accumulated.
