Yellow Fever Kills 165, Still Spreading in Darfur

Posted December 6th, 2012 at 11:05 am (UTC-5)
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The United Nations says 165 people have died of yellow fever in Sudan's Darfur region over the past three months, and warns the outbreak continues to spread.

The resident U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Sudan said Thursday the total number of yellow fever cases in Darfur stands at more than 670, and that it is likely many other cases have not been reported.

The World Health Organization put the number of cases at 732.

The statement by the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, Ali al-Za'tari, said “the spread of the disease shows no signs of stopping.” He said the only way to halt the spread is to ensure vaccinations are given to all people at risk.

International humanitarian agencies are supporting a vaccination effort that began last month in the most affected areas of Darfur. Za'tari said more than a million people have been inoculated, and the death rate has been cut almost in half since the vaccination campaign began.

Yellow fever is spread by mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment for the disease, but it can be contained through the use of bed nets, insect repellent, and long-sleeved clothing.