Bayelsa Declares Yellow Fever State of Emergency

The Bayelsa State Government in Nigeria recently announced it would do everything within its power to ensure that Bayelsans have access to yellow fever (YF) vaccines.

Nigeria offers the Stamaril® live, attenuated YF vaccine.

The Tribue Online reported on February 3, 2023, Commissioner for Health Dr. Pabara Newton Igwele stated the YF disease was more frightening than COVID-19 as it does not have any special drugs for curative measures.

He further noted that YF is caused by a virus transmitted through bites of infected mosquitoes.

And a life-threatening disease, explaining that its symptoms manifest in bleeding from the mouth, eye, and nose, which, if not properly managed, could resolve to death.

According to the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has been reporting yellow fever outbreaks in multiple states (Bauchi, Benue, Delta, Ebonyi, and Enugu) since 2020.

Beginning in late January 2018, more than 25 million people were scheduled to be vaccinated in Nigeria.

As of 2023, the CDC says travelers to Nigeria should take steps to prevent yellow fever by getting vaccinated at least ten days before travel and taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.

The Stamaril vaccine is not offered in the U.S. However, certified clinics and pharmacies offer the YF-Vax® vaccine in the U.S.

Following vaccination, the yellow fever card (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis) becomes certified.