Ighomuaye Lucky,Benin
The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has confirmed the spread of Yellow fever in Uhunmwode, Esan West and Esan Central local government areas.
Two people died of the disease, in the state, last week. Yesterday, Edo NMA pleaded with Governor Godwin Obaseki, to urgently
set up centres and stock them with necessary vaccines, to prevent the spread of the disease.
Addressing newsmen in Benin, Chairman of the association, Dr. Valentine Omoifo, said although the disease is deadly, it can be successfully contained.
He said nine persons have been confirmed to be down with the disease, just as he added that the spread is still within the three local government areas.
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Omoifo gave some of the symptoms to include high fever, jaundice, joint pain, headache, muscle pain and abdominal pain.
“We are aware that about nine cases have tested positive for the disease, following preliminary investigation by relevant agencies of government and await confirmation from the World Health Organisation Regional Reference Laboratory.
“There is currently no known cure for this infection; however, it can be prevented by vaccination. People are advised not to panic if they notice any of the above symptoms but go to the nearest health facility for supportive management and proper referral, for management of the complications.”
He said the association is in touch with the state’s Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies which, he said, are already working to “control the situation” but urged them to ensure there is enough drugs in all the centres for proper vaccination.
On his part, Commissioner for Health, Dr. David Osifo, said a team of experts have been deployed to curtail the ailment and added; “nothing to panic about, yellow fever is not infectious.”
Osifo explained it is transmitted through mosquito bite and it has vaccines that confers life long immunity against it.
“We are immunising all adults against it now for free and the vaccination is harmless. People should visit the nearest health centre to them and get immunised”, he advised.