SAN FRANCISCO, October 09, (THEWILL) – Monkey pox virus, which started with an index case in Bayelsa on September 22, has now spread to six other states, including Lagos, Ekiti and Ogun state.
According to the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, there are 31 cases of the ailment in the country.
He listed the states as Bayelsa, Rivers, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Cross River while the Lagos State Government confirmed that it had recorded two suspected cases and appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant.
Ihekweazu said samples had been collected from each suspected case for laboratory confirmation but noted that it could be unlikely that many of the suspected cases are actually monkey pox.
He however, said all the suspected cases are being investigated and were all receiving medical care and the patients improving clinically in their various states.
Ihekweazu said the centre had activated an Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) to coordinate the outbreak investigation and response across the affected states.
“The EOC is currently supporting state ministries of Health in their response to the outbreak through active case finding, epidemiological investigation and contact tracing,” he explained.
Measures have been put in place to ensure effective sample collection and testing to enable laboratory confirmation. Risk communication activities have been heightened to advise the public on preventive measures.
All 36 states and the FCT have been notified for preparedness.”
Nigerians are advised to improve on hygiene habits such as washing of hands.