Presidency issues critical advisory on Yellow fever disease

– Nigerians have been told to seek medical help if they are experiencing the signs and symptoms of Yellow fever

– The presidency issued an advisory on the disease on Friday, October 12

– The disease can be prevented with the Yellow fever vaccine, which is available in health facilities

The presidency on Friday, October 12, issued an advisory on Yellow fever disease, in which it called on Nigerians to seek medical help if they are experiencing the signs and symptoms of the disease.

TRACKNEWS.NG gathers that the Yellow fever advisory was issued on the presidency Facebook page, Aso Rock Villa.

The advisory read: “Yellow fever is caused by a virus, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected specific type of mosquito.

“The signs and symptoms of Yellow fever include fever, headache, jaundice (yellowness of the eyes and body), muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In severe cases, bleeding may occur from the mouth, nose, eyes or stomach.

“In most cases, symptoms disappear after three to four days. The disease has similar symptoms with common illnesses like malaria, common cold etc. The general public is advised to report promptly to the nearest health facility if you notice any of the above signs, as the signs of serious illness can lead to death.

“The disease can be prevented with the Yellow fever vaccine, which is available in health facilities and confers lifelong protection. Although there is no specific medicine to treat the disease, intensive supportive care can be provided with most patients recovering with appropriate care.

“To reduce the spread of Yellow fever in the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control advice as follows: • Ensure that you get vaccinated against Yellow fever. A single dose of Yellow fever vaccine, which is included in Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule given at nine-months is free and sufficient to confer lifelong protection.

• “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

“For further information, contact: NCDC toll-free number: 0800-970000-10, SMS 08099555577, Whatsapp 07087110839. Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov.”

Meanwhile, TRACKNEWS.NG previously reported that Zamfara statet government said it would vaccinate 3.2 million people during a yellow fever vaccination campaign.

This was disclosed by the state commissioner for health, Lawal Liman. He said: “We have already concluded the first phase of the exercise which covers four local government areas of Anka, Gusau, Maru and Maradun and we have recorded great success.”