The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has underscored the significance of unlocking lifelong protection against yellow fever through a single vaccine dose.

The agency’s executive director, Muyi Aina, told journalists in Abuja on Friday that public health vigilance is equally critical in tackling the menace.

Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes, primarily in tropical regions of Africa and South America.

The disease is diagnosed based on laboratory testing, a person’s symptoms and travel history. The symptoms include fever, headache, jaundice, and severe bleeding.

There is no medicine to treat or cure infection. However, vaccination is effective in preventing the disease.

The NPHCDA boss, therefore, highlighted measures taken by the agency to promote awareness and ensure widespread access to the single vaccine dose.

He underscored the broader public health implications, emphasising that individual protection extends beyond personal well-being to contribute significantly to the collective resilience against Yellow Fever.

Mr Aina added, “It is essential to get vaccinated. Additionally, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net in affected areas to prevent mosquito bites.”

He said that as the NPHCDA proactively advocates for vaccination, “healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public must also join forces in the relentless pursuit of eradicating yellow fever.”

Meanwhile, the country’s situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) website stated that from September 1 to 30, 2023, the agency closely monitored yellow fever cases nationwide.

The NCDC said 193 suspected cases were reported from 104 local government areas in 27 states, with no death in the reporting month.

Cumulatively, from January 1 to September 30, 2023, 2,203 suspected yellow fever cases were reported across 492 local government areas of the federation and the FCT, it added.

(NAN)