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Health Ministry reports outbreak of Yellow Fever |
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Written by Wellington Geevon Smith
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Thursday, 03 April 2008 |
The Ministry of Health has reported an outbreak of Yellow Fever in Liberia.
Deputy Health Minister Dr. Bernice Dahn told reporters the disease was diagnosed on a thirty-two year old man who died in Nimba County.
The Chief Medical Officer said specimen from Joseph Tapeh was tested positive in Liberia and confirmed in Darkar, Senegal.
According to Dr. Dahn, one case of Yellow Fewer is considered an outbreak because before it is confirmed, it may have already spread to several people.
The Health Ministry has reported the case to the World Health Organization in accordance with International Health Regulations.
The ministry has also sent its surveillance officers in Grand Gedeh and Nimba Counties where the disease has been traced.
The surveillance officers will investigate whether the yellow fewer case is the first or if it has already been transmitted to other people.
Dr. Dahn informed reporters government is working with the WHO to bring in vaccines for treatment as the one in Liberia is only for prevention.
The Chief Medical Officer called on people to keep their surroundings clean as the mosquito that transmits yellow fewer breeds in poor sanitary conditions.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said it would work with the Health Ministry to identify more resources to address the Yellow Fewer outbreak in Liberia.
WHO Country Director Dr. Eugene Nyarko told reporters his organization has reported the case to the next level and is awaiting a response.
He said with the international alert, partners involved with Yellow fewer will now turn their attention to Liberia.
Dr. Nyarko assured that the WHO will work with the Health Ministry in carrying out preventive measures firstly in Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties.
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