Yellow fever outbreak in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, May-August 2019.

An outbreak of Yellow fever (YF) occurred in Ebonyi State, Nigeria in the year 2019 and a Rapid Response Team (RRT) from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja was deployed to investigate and characterize the outbreak and institute control measures. All suspected cases were identified, linelisted and analyzed. Between May and August 2019, 78 suspected YF cases were identified from 5 LGAs in Ebonyi State. Of these, 17 (21.8%) confirmed YF cases [including 4 deaths (case fatality rate (CFR): 23.5%)] were reported in 4 LGAs, with majority 13 (76.5%) from Izzi LGA. Age groups mostly affected were 0-9 years 5(29.4%) and 20-29 years 5(29.4%) with mean age 19 ±12 years. Majority were males, 10 (58.8%). Overall, 50 eligible children participated in the YF VCS, 36(72.0%) had their vaccination cards available and only 24 (48.0%) of the cards had a record of YF vaccination. Aedeslarva was found in 9(90.0%) of 10 households surveyed and adult species Aedes simpsoni complexemerged from the collections. The 2019 YF outbreak in Ebonyi state was as a result of an abundance of Aedesmosquitoes and low vaccination coverage. We recommend a Statewide YF risk assessment, mass YF vaccination campaign, vector control and enhanced YF surveillance is important to prevent future outbreaks and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]