We only have record of 151 suspected Mpox cases — Ogun govt

The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, announced on Wednesday that the state has not recorded any confirmed cases of Mpox across its twenty local government areas.

Dr. Coker reported that, as of August 18, the state had recorded 151 suspected cases of Mpox, but none had been confirmed as positive.

In a statement released to journalists in Abeokuta, the state capital, the Commissioner affirmed that the state has maintained a high level of surveillance since the global outbreak in 2022.

She stated, “Mpox is a disease of public health importance, and the World Health Organization has declared outbreaks of a more virulent strain in some countries. Some states in Nigeria have also reported outbreaks of Mpox.

“The Ogun State Ministry of Health is aware of this public health threat and has instituted appropriate measures to prevent it, detect it early, and respond as necessary.”

She added, “The last case of Mpox in Ogun State was in May 2023, and no confirmed case has been reported in Ogun State to date. As of 18th August 2024, the state surveillance system has reported 151 suspected cases of Mpox, but none has been confirmed. However, 53 cases have been confirmed as Chickenpox.”

“We are aware of the Chickenpox cases in the state, and the necessary measures are already in place.”
Public sensitisation on Mpox, Chickenpox, and other priority diseases is ongoing through established platforms.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE