The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is urging Nigerians to be vigilant as yellow fever cases tend to rise during the rainy season, similar to cholera outbreaks. This increase is primarily linked to a surge in mosquito activity, the main carriers of the virus.
Yellow fever is a serious viral infection spread by mosquito bites. Symptoms typically appear 3-6 days after infection and can include fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to liver and kidney failure, causing high fever, jaundice, and bleeding. Fortunately, a single dose of a highly effective and affordable vaccine offers lifelong protection.
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
Get vaccinated: This is the most crucial step in preventing yellow fever.
Control mosquitoes: Eliminate stagnant water sources where mosquitoes breed, and maintain a clean environment.
Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants during peak mosquito activity times (dusk and dawn).
The NCDC is actively monitoring yellow fever cases. In 2023, they reported over 600 suspected cases across Nigeria, with 4 positive cases confirmed by laboratories. Thankfully, there were no fatalities.
By working together to implement these preventive measures, communities can significantly reduce the risk of yellow fever during the rainy season.
