Samples have been taking to the lab by the state government for further confirmation.
It appears that the outbreak of yellow fever is rapidly spreading in three Local government areas of Enugu State as ‘strange’ death claim more lives as a result of the illness.
Enugu State has been battling to contain the outbreak of the disease in two communities – Ette Uno and Umuopu – in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of the state.
Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed on Friday that Enugu had reported 70 suspected yellow fever cases including 33 deaths. Residents of the two communities, however, say the deaths since late October were about 52.
The NCDC said its officials are observing the situation.
On Monday, the state government confirmed it had received reports of strange deaths within communities in Nsukka, Isi-Uzo, and Igbo-Etiti LGAs.
The Commissioner of Health, Ikechukwu Obi, said the ministry’s Rapid Response Team and LGA Rapid Response Teams have visited the communities involved.
He said the visit was in collaboration with international and national partners.
Mr Obi said samples were taken for testing.
“Following the confirmed cases of Yellow Fever in Igbo Eze North LGA of Enugu State and the concerted efforts to control the situation in the LGA by the State Government, Stakeholders and Partners; Federal and International, reports have also been received of ‘strange deaths’ within communities in Nsukka, Isi-Uzo and Igbo-Etiti LGAs.
The Enugu State Ministry of Health Rapid Response Team, LGA Rapid Response Teams, International and National Partners have also visited these LGAs to investigate the reports and take samples for testing just as was done for the reports at Igboeze North.
The new set of samples from these LGAs have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory at the Federal Capital Territory Abuja for a thorough and complete examination to determine conclusively the reasons for these new set of reports and the results are expected back early this week,” he said.
Mr Obi sympathised with families who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate development.