Dear Enrollee,
How are you doing?
There is a suspected outbreak of Yellow Fever in Delta and Enugu states that has claimed more than 70 lives according to news reports. In this article, we have put together ways for you to stay safe during this period.
Yellow Fever is a serious flu-like disease that is spread by mosquitoes. It is caused by the yellow fever virus. The disease is called yellow fever because it can cause yellowing of the eyes and skin, a condition known as jaundice in medicine.
The disease belongs to a group of illnesses called viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF), other examples of VHF include, Ebola and Lassa fever.
The disease is spread by mosquitoes (the Aedes & Haemogogus species) when they bite an infected person or non-human primate, then bite an uninfected person. So, you need to know how to protect yourself from yellow fever, because Nigeria is a country with high mosquito density.
Here’s how you can protect yourself and those around you from yellow fever:
- Get vaccinated
The number one way of preventing yellow fever is through vaccination. The vaccine is a single shot, and it provides you with lifelong immunity. This means that even when you live in a yellow fever endemic area, you are protected as long as you have been vaccinated.
Vaccination remains the most effective way of preventing the virus. However, you should still do the following:
- Keep your surroundings clean and get rid of stagnant bodies of water.
- Use insecticide spray in your home to kill mosquitoes.
- Use net screens on your windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
- Sleep under insecticide-treated nets.
- Do not self-medicate. If you feel ill, see a doctor. You may use Telemedicine By Hygeia HMO.
- Wear clothing that covers your body to reduce the chances of being bitten by a mosquito.
- Make sure your child has been immunized against Yellow Fever as it is part of the national immunization schedule.
It is crucial that you get vaccinated and follow the other preventive measures. The latest suspected outbreak of Yellow Fever is reported to have claimed 50 lives in Enugu state and 22 in Delta state, according to news reports.
Here are some common symptoms to look out for:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Jaundice.
If you notice any of these symptoms, please report to a health facility close to you. This advisory is in line with the NCDC directives.
Stay safe.
Live more life!
By Dr. Okonkwor Oyor C.
