31 People Test Positive For Monkey Pox In Nigeria

The National Centre for Disease Control , Abuja , has
said that 31 cases of suspected monkeypox virus
cases have been recorded in seven states .
The affected states are Ekiti, Akwa Ibom , Lagos ,
Ogun , Bayelsa , Rivers and Cross River states .

Monkeypox is a rare a viral zoonotic disease that
occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and
West Africa. Its symptoms are very similar to that of
small pox . The federal government hence warns absolutely abstinence from dead meat, bush meat and monkey meat.

Key facts
Monkeypox is a rare disease that occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests.
The monkeypox virus can cause a fatal illness in humans and, although it is similar to human smallpox which has been eradicated, it is much milder.
The monkeypox virus is transmitted to people from various wild animals but has limited secondary spread through human-to-human transmission.

Typically, case fatality in monkeypox outbreaks has been between 1% and 10%, with most deaths occurring in younger age groups.

The NCDC National Coordinator and Chief Executive
Officer , Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu , in a statement on
Monday said the agency was awaiting the laboratory
results and confirmation of the 31 suspected cases .
Ihekweazu said, “ Samples have been collected from
each suspected case for laboratory confirmation .
Results are still being awaited. So far , there have
been no deaths recorded .
“ It is unlikely that many of the suspected cases are
actually monkeypox but all are being investigated .
Nigerians are once again advised to remain calm ,
avoid self- medication and report any suspected case
to the nearest health facility. Public health
authorities across the country have been well
informed on what to do when a suspected case
arises . ”
The NCDC boss said the Federal Government had
activated emergency operation centres in affected
states to coordinate investigation and response in
affected states.
Experts and health officials from the EOC  will assist the various state ministries of health with case finding , epidemiological investigations and contact tracing .
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government on Monday notified residents of 2cases of suspected monkeypox in the state .
The state Commissioner for Health , Dr . Jide Idris, said although the two cases had not be confirmed to be monkeypox , it decided to be proactive for the safety of residents.
“ Though no confirmed case has been recorded , there is need to sensitise members of the public and provide adequate information on measures for prevention and control of the disease in line with the policy of the state government .
“ The two cases were said to have been recorded in a
private hospital , which will not be named for now .
One of the two patients just came from Bayelsa State
and ate bushmeat . ”

Idris said the two suspects were currently being
quarantined in their various houses pending the
result of some medical texts conducted on them .
“ Following this development , the state government
 advises members of the public to observe and
maintain a high standard of personal and
environmental hygiene at all times as part of the
precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the
virus, ” he said .
“The Lagos state government has mobilised the Disease Surveillance Officers in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state and health workers in both public and private health facilities have been placed on high
alert,” Mr. Idris said.

Mr. Idris called on residents of the state to remain
calm and go about their businesses without fear as
the government had put in place adequate
measures to effectively prevent and control the
spread of the infection to the State.

“In case of any suspected case of Monkeypox, the
Lagos State Ministry of Health should be notified
through the following mobile lines: 08037170614,
09087106072.”