Côte d'Ivoire Red Cross helps combat yellow fever
19 September 2001

An epidemic of yellow fever, a deadly and fast-spreading mosquito-borne virus, has broken out in the West African country of Côte D'Ivoire. Five deaths out of 72 confirmed cases have already been reported in the business capital Abidjan and authorities fear a massive spread of the disease if urgent action is not taken.

The Cote d'Ivoire Red Cross, supported by the International Federation, is rapidly deploying 660 volunteers in a social mobilisation programme to assist with public awareness to ensure the vaccination of up to three million people between 20-29 September. To accomplish this, the International Federation has launched an appeal for 250,000 Swiss francs both to purchase vaccines which will be be donated to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and to fund a public education campaign.

Joining a crisis committee made up of the Ministry of Health, UN agencies and other NGOs, the International Federation and the Cote d'Ivoire Red Cross will work in 11 communes in Abidjan. Teams of Red Cross volunteers will check vaccination cards and records and assist in the vaccination centres. The Red Cross volunteers will also convene public meetings, work with community leaders and go door-to-door to raise awareness of the disease.

"We must act fast to stem the spread of this killer disease. One case is enough for an epidemic alert," stressed Niels Scott, head of the International Federation's regional delegation in West Africa. "Funds are ungently needed if we are to respond with the neccessary speed," he added.

Yellow fever is an acute infectious disease caused by a virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. About five to 20 percent of people infected with the disease will develop temporary liver damage that leads to jaundice and a yellowing of the eyes and skin. Statistically, about 20 percent of people who develop jaundice die. The virus also causes bleeding through the nose, eyes, skin, gums or gastrointestinal tract. Vaccination against yellow fever ensures protection for at least ten years, provided it is administered in time.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

InAbidjan
Joe Lowry, Regional Information Delegate Tel.: +225 22 40 44 56/ +225 0793 8483

Geneva
Christopher Black, Information Officer Tel.: +41 22 730 4377 / +41 79 416 3881

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.