FG confirms Yellow Fever epidemic in Kwara
The National Centre for Disease Control has declared Kwara state as Yellow Fever infested state. The head of an 11 man research team from the Disease Control Centre to the state, Dr. William Nwachuku, made this declaration in Ilorin the state capital on Monday after an extensive tour of nine out of 16 local government areas of the state.
He disclosed that his team had visited communities in Ifelodun, Irepodun, Okeero, Isin, Ilorin West, Ilorin East and Ilorin South, Moro and Edu local government areas, where his men carried out technical survey on the causes of alleged strange disease that were ravaging lives amongst the Fulanis and natives.
According to Dr. Nwachuku, the findings of the experts revealed the prevalence of Yellow Fever virus and its carriers, a special breed of mosquitoes, in all these areas more than ever imagined.
Dr. Nwachuku emphasized on concerted efforts of various health authorities both at federal and state levels and their partners to nib in the bud, the widespread of the killer disease to avoid been exported to other parts of the country.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting to review the report of the team from the National Center of Disease Control, the acting Director of Public Health Unit, state Ministry of Health, Dr. Oluwatosin Fakayode, appreciated the commitment and sacrifice of members of the team since two weeks ago when they began their research work in the state.
He disclosed that the state government was committed to work with various health partners to address the situation while stressing the enormous resources committed by the government during the search and surveillance for the strange disease.
Dr. Fakayode maintained that the efforts of the Epidemiologist and Public Health Units of the Ministry on early searches were not in vain as their hypothesis on the prevalence of Yellow Fever instead of Lassa Fever have been proved right by laboratory results on blood samples taken from victims.
He conveyed the appreciation of the state government to all its partners during the period but singled out Igbomina Mobile Clinic Project for doing fantastic job in the areas of social mobilisation and his support.
