Yellow fever kills 14 persons in Ebonyi

Not less than 14 persons have died following the outbreak of yellow fever in Iboko community of Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The disease also affected unconfirmed number of persons, who were said to be currently receiving treatment at the Virology Centre in Abakaliki, the state capital, and Iboko General Hospital in Izzi local government.

It was learnt that the viral infection had been discovered in the state since July 15, 2019 before the information got to the state Ministry of health, which quickly swung into action to stop its further spread to other parts of the state.

The Permanent Secretary in the state, Ministry of Health, Dr Chris Achi, confirmed the death of the 14 persons to journalists in Abakaliki on Friday.

He said the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control had been alerted and had already responded to ensure there was no recurrence.

Achi regretted the death of the 14 persons, noting that such deaths were avoidable if the victims had not patronised quacks and had not used herbs for treatment.

He appealed to residents to always access the health facilities located in their areas.

Punch