Sierra Leone Suffers Outbreak of Yellow Fever Infection

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.news.sl/drwebsite/publish/article_200510729.shtml

Sierra Leone Suffers Outbreak of Yellow Fever Infection
By Ministry of Health & Sanitation
Dec 19, 2008, 18:27

Freetown, Dec. 19, 08. {MOHS}- Sierra Leone's Chief Medical Officer(Ag.), Dr. Kisito S. Daoh has been alerted of a reported case of yellow fever in the Bo district and laboratory tests conducted have confirmed evidence on two patients following results from the Institut Pasteur Laboratories in Abidjan and Dakar.

Yellow fever is a viral disease found in tropical regions of Africa. It principally affects human and monkeys, and is transmitted via the bite of the Aedes Egypta mosquitos. It can produce devastating outbreaks, which can be prevented and controlled by mass vaccination campaigns.

Meanwhile, all District Medical Officers and their team have been requested to sensitize their various communities and educate them on the prevailing situation.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has intensified surveillance in the country and there are plans to immunize all residents of Bo district excluding pregnant women and children under nine months.

The public is advised to stay calm as there is no cause for alarm. The Government of Sierra Leone with support from the world Health Organisation and other partners are in full control of the situation.

The Public should note that yellow fever is spread by mosquitos.
You can protect yourself and your family if you:
? Always sleep under an insecticide treated bed net
? Report all cases of fever and yellowing of the eyes to the nearest health facility immediately

For more information please contact our website or any of the following:
Dr. Amara Jambai,
Director Disease Prevention and Control,
Central Medical Stores Compound, New England Freetown,
Telephone +23276603297.

Mr. Jonathan Abass Kamara
The Public Relations Officer,
Email: abassy2007@yahoo.com
Telephone: +23276678021
Website: http://www.health.sl

Mr. Sahr Hemore,
Health Education Manager,
3 Wilberforce Street, Freetown,
Tel: +23276956060.

Signed:?????????
______________________
Dr. Kisito S. Daoh
Chief Medical Officer.(Ag)

 

[Shiloh]

Re: Sierra Leone Suffers Outbreak of Yellow Fever Infection

Source: http://www.news.sl/drwebsite/publish/article_200510894.shtml

In Sierra Leone,Health Ministry Set to Combat Yellow Fever
By Vidal Boltman
Jan 12, 2009, 00:49



Health and Sanitation Minister, Dr. Soccoh Kabia on Wednesday 7th January 2009 told pressmen that his ministry is well prepared to tackle the recent outbreak of yellow fever in the country. This disclosure was made during a press briefing held at his ministry?s conference room, Youyi Building in Freetown.

"Plans by the Health and Sanitation Ministry to institute adequate response to combat the epidemic are well underway," he stated, adding that one of the methods in place is the conduction of mass vaccination for its prevention. Since the disease outbreak is from Bo District, the minister disclosed that vaccinations will be carried out starting Saturday 10th to Wednesday 14th January 2009 for everybody with the exception of pregnant women and children below the ages of 9 months. He therefore used the forum as an opportunity to call on all and sundry to visit the vaccination centers for the free of charge yellow fever vaccine.

In his remarks, a World Health Organization (WHO) representative, Ade Theophilus Renner highlighted that yellow fever is a disease that can be transmitted through mosquito bites. He explained that the disease has been discovered in 33 African and 11 South American countries. He said that the infection grows from mild symptoms to severe illness and subsequently result to death. "The first symptom of the disease which is the acute phase usually appears 3 to 6 days after infection," he stated, adding that the said phase is characterized by fever, muscle pain, headache, shiver, loss of appetite and vomiting. He stated that in most cases, the condition of the patient improves 3 to 4 days and the symptoms disappear. "In some cases, the disease enters a toxic phase in which the fever reoccurred resulting in the development of jaundice and in some instances bleeding with blood appearing on vomit," he disclosed. He pointed out that about 50% of patients who enters the toxic phase of the disease lost their lives within 10 to 14 days. He disclosed further that the disease have no specific cure, but was quick to allay fears stating that there is however a safe and highly effective vaccine available.