ABUJA, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government said Tuesday it was working to contain the further spread of yellow fever and to limit the impact of the killer ailment in the west African country.
Head of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control Chikwe Ihekweazu, in a statement made available to Xinhua, said a multi-agency incident management system has been instituted to ensure a rapid and coordinated response.
This followed a recent case of yellow fever in the north-central state of Kwara, Ihekweazu noted.
Yellow fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes.
Its symptoms include fever, headache, jaundice or yellowness of the eyes, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
In line with World Health Organization guidelines, the official said, a vaccination campaign is being mulled to begin in the affected and surrounding areas on Sept. 30 to prevent further spread.
"Communication activities are being intensified to enlighten healthcare workers and the general public," he said.
Vaccination against the disease remained the most important measure in preventing yellow fever.
Yellow fever vaccine had been part of the childhood immunization schedule in Nigeria.
