Ekeomah Atuonwu
Kenya has declared a Yellow Fever outbreak after fresh cases were confirmed in Isiolo County, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health.
In the previous month, three persons died in two Sub-counties, and more than 20 people have been infected by the Yellow Fever virus, according to a letter signed by acting Director-General of Health, Dr Patrick Amoth.
Three of the six samples tested by the Kenya Medical Research Institute came back positive, according to a Ministry report dated March 5, prompting an alert to be sent countrywide.
The counties bordering Isiolo have been classified as high-risk.
According to Dr. Amoth, the first case was discovered on January 12, and 15 probable instances have been reported since then, with symptoms including headache, fever, jaundice, and muscle and joint problems.
The youngest patient is 11 years old, and the oldest is 65 years old. The majority of people infected are young male adults.
“This is to raise an alarm in all 47 counties, particularly in high-risk counties such as Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Meru, Samburu, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, and Turkana,” according to the statement.
“Only a small percentage of individuals infected with the virus develop severe symptoms, and around half of them die within 7 to 10 days.”
UNDERSTANDING YELLOW FEVER
It is a viral infection spread by a particular species of mosquito.
Yellow fever is spread by a species of mosquito common to areas of Africa and South America. Vaccination is recommended before travelling to certain areas.
The “yellow” in the name refers to the jaundice that affects some patients. Symptoms of yellow fever include fever, headache, jaundice, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. Serious cases may cause fatal heart, liver and kidney conditions.
No specific treatment for the disease exists. Efforts focus on managing symptoms and limiting complications.
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