In Kenya in Isiolo, a yellow fever outbreak has erupted after three people have been affected by the disease.
The Ministry of Health revealed that fifteen other people are showing signs and symptoms of the disease but have not been tested and diagnosed with the disease.
The health director Mr. Patrick Amoth in his letter to the health county executive across the state revealed that the cases were reported in Merti and Grabatulla sub-counties.
The fifteen suspected victims of the disease have shown symptoms such as; fever, jaundice, muscle and joint pain which are all part of yellow fever symptoms.
In his statement, Amoth said:
“The youngest being eleven years while the oldest being 65 years. While the majority are young adults, males are most affected. Sadly, we have recorded three deaths so far. Out of the six samples analyzed at KEMRI, three turned positive through serology (immunoglobulin m) and PCR”.
In a move to curtail the further spread of the deadly yellow fever disease, the following counties such as; Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Meru, Samburu, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Turkana have all been listed as very risky and the Minister of Health leader has already made a plan to carry out massive and total yellow fever vaccination in this aforementioned counties.
“The ministry will also deploy a rapid response team to Isiolo and neighboring counties to establish the magnitude and extent of the outbreak, determine at-risk populations, conduct a risk assessment, initiate risk communication and community engagement activities, and implement integrated vector control measures” said by Amoth.
Mr. Amoth further revealed that presently, there is no specific drug/medication meant for the treatment of yellow fever, though, the disease can be prevented via effective vaccination.
He said: “A single dose of the vaccine is effective to confer sustained immunity and lifelong protection against the disease.”
