13 Oct 2018 | 04:47 AM UTC
Ethiopia: Yellow fever outbreak leaves nine dead in Wolayita as of October 12
Yellow fever outbreak leaves nine dead in Offa Woreda (Wolayita zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region) as of October 12; further spread of outbreak expected in the coming weeks
Event
As of Friday, October 12, some 32 suspected cases and nine associated deaths have been attributed to a probable outbreak of yellow fever in Offa Woreda (Wolayita zone, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region). Further spread of the outbreak is to be expected in the coming weeks.
Context
A similar yellow fever outbreak in Offa Woreda was reported to have killed 16 people in mid-August.
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes. Symptoms generally appear within three to six days following infection and include fever, chills, muscle and back pain, vomiting, headaches, and, in more serious cases, hemorrhaging and organ failure. The vaccine provides lifelong immunity.
Advice
Individuals in or traveling to Ethiopia are advised to consult their doctor regarding vaccination options and take measures to protect against mosquitoes (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in screened-in and/or air-conditioned rooms). Vaccination is recommended at least ten days in advance of travel to areas of active yellow fever transmission.
