Ogun State government has dispelled the fear of its residents on the alleged outbreak of any case of Monkey Pox disease, otherwise known as Mpox across the 20 local government areas in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, in a statement made available to journalists, on Wednesday, said there is no need to panic as the state has not recorded any case of mpox across its twenty local government areas.
Coker who stated that the state has maintained a high level of surveillance since the global outbreak in 2022.
The commissioner explained that the Ministry has implemented the necessary steps to prevent, detect, and respond appropriately to the public health concern.
Coker said, “The last case of Mpox in Ogun State was in May 2023 and no confirmed case has been reported in Ogun State to date.
“We are aware of the Chicken Pox cases in the state and the necessary measures are already in place. Sensitization of the public on Mpox, Chickenpox, and other priority diseases is ongoing through established platforms. Therefore, there is no need to panic.”
Reports had it that, an Online news medium, DAILY POST had on August 18, 2024 reported that the state surveillance system recorded 151 possible cases of mpox throughout the state; however, 53 of the suspected cases tested positive for chicken pox, and none of the suspected cases were verified to be mpox.
However, the Commissioner advised residents to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions.
She said, “Practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wear protective gear (gloves, masks) when caring for someone with suspected or confirmed Mpox.
“Avoid contact with animals that may harbour the virus, such as rodents and primates, especially in areas where Mpox is known to occur and ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption.”
She also asked residents to report all suspected cases to the nearest health facility in the state
Meanwhile the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, on Friday announced that the country has recorded a total of 40 confirmed cases of mpox out of 830 suspected cases.
