The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says 31 suspected
cases of monkeypox have so far been reported in seven states across the
country.
Chikwe Ihekweazu, the national
coordinator/chief executive officer of NCDC, made this known on Monday in
Abuja.
According to Ihekweazu, following the
notification of a suspected monkeypox outbreak on September 22 in Bayelsa,
other suspected cases have been reported from six more states.
He listed the affected states as Bayelsa,
Rivers, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun and Cross Rivers.
Ihekweazu said that samples had been collected
from each suspected case for laboratory confirmation.
“Results are still being awaited. So far, there
have been no deaths recorded,’’ he said.
“It is unlikely that many of the suspected
cases are actually monkeypox, but all are being investigated.
“All the suspected cases are currently
receiving appropriate medical care, and the patients are all improving
clinically in their various states.”
Ihekweazu said that the ministry of health,
through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), was supporting the
affected states to ensure the outbreak is brought under control and to limit
further spread.
“NCDC has 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.
“Measures have been put in place to ensure
effective sample collection and testing for 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,’’ the NCDC national coordinator said.
Source: www.thecable.ng
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