6 states with suspected cases of Monkey pox ―NCDC

THE Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported suspected cases Monkeypox in six (6) states of the federation.

According to a statement made available to Tribune Online on Monday, Akwa Ibom State, Cross River State, Ekiti State, Ogun State and Lagos State are among the states with suspected cases of the virus.

This is as the index case was reported in Bayelsa on the 22nd September, 2017, bringing the total cases reported to 31 across the seven states.

The Chief Executive Officer, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, who advised Nigerians to remain calm and cautious, said in the statement that sample have been collected from the notified cases for laboratory confirmation.

“Results are still awaited. So far, there have been no deaths recorded. All the suspected cases are currently receiving appropriate medical care, and the patients are all improving clinically in their various States.

“The Federal Ministry of Health through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is supporting the affected States to ensure the outbreak is brought under control and to limit further spread” he stated.

He also pointed that “it is unlikely that many of the suspected cases are actually monkey pox, but all are being investigated”.

Monkey pox is a rare viral zoonotic disease with symptoms in humans similar to those seen in smallpox patients. Animal-to-human transmission occurs through bite or scratch from animals and bushmeat preparation. It can also be transmitted from one person to another. Human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, contact with infected persons or contaminated materials. Control measures include isolation of suspected or confirmed cases, strict adherence to universal precautions, especially frequent hand washing with soap and water, and use of personal protective equipment.

Signs and symptoms include fever, headache, body pain, malaise, lymphadenopathy (enlargement of glands),  sore throat, the characteristic generalized vesicular rash. The rashes might last between two to four weeks. Monkey pox is self-limiting, which means patients tend to recover with time.