Federal Health Ministry: unknown disease is yellow fever

Sudan’s Federal Health Ministry described the unknown fever which is spreading rapidly across Central Darfur as a hemorrhagic fever caused by the yellow fever virus, Radio Dabanga learned on Wednesday October 31. Dr. Ahmed Hamid, spokesman on behalf of the Federal Health Minister’s office, announced in an interview with Radio Dabanga that the number of confirmed cases has reached 84. Of those cases, 29 were found in Zalingei, 13 in Wadi Saleh, 25 in Nertety, nine in Kass and one case in Nyala and one in Mershing and Wadi Azoom.He said that 32 people have died as a result of the fever so far, emphasizing that the ministry formed an emergency committee, chaired by Minister Bahr Abu Garda, to follow up on the situation.Situation is “under control” Dr. Hamid stated the situation is “under control”, after a team of medical specialists from the ministry traveled to the affected areas across Central Darfur. He added that the vaccinations for the disease have also arrived, saying they will start vaccinating people in certain areas of Central Darfur. In addition, pesticides against breeding of mosquitoes will be sprayed. He added to Radio Dabanga the disease cannot be described as an epidemic.On the same subject, he explained that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes or contaminated blood, not by people. He urged citizens to go to the nearest clinic or hospital when feeling sick, adding that the main symptoms of yellow fever are fever and chills (similar to malaria), nausea and increased pressure on the eyes, Dr. Hamid added to Radio Dabanga from Khartoum.