W. Darfur citizens fear yellow fever claimed 2 more lives

Citizens of the Armenkol area in Sirba locality, West Darfur, fear that yellow fever may have claimed two more lives and are now “in a state of panic and fear” they told Radio Dabanga. Two people suffering severe bleeding and high fever died on Thursday leading locals to suspect the disease could be yellow fever, sources say. Armenkol residents confirmed to Radio Dabanga they have not been vaccinated against the disease because the ministry of health indicated yellow fever had not reached the area. Witnesses urged authorities to contain the situation before the disease spreads. Ishaq Ahmed Yaqoub, health minister of West Darfur, told Radio Dabanga on Thursday he is not aware of the emergence of any cases of yellow fever in Armenkol. He affirmed that the third phase of the vaccination campaign will be launched in the state, namely in Sirba and Kulbus localities, as vaccines arrive from Khartoum.Over 840 people were diagnosed with the disease as of 23 January and 171 have died, according to WHO. The outbreak has affected more than 35 localities in Darfur.Radio Dabanga file photoRelated: WHO: 3rd phase of yellow fever vaccination campaign to start in Darfur (23 January 2013)