Eight persons have tested positive for Monkeypox in Edo state as confirmed by the state’s ministry of health.
Commissioner for Health in the state, Prof. Akoria Obehi told newsmen on Monday July 25 that the Ministry has ramped up surveillance and other activities to curb the spread of the infectious disease.
Obehi also urged residents to observe safety measures to reduce the spread of the virus and other infectious diseases in the state. The commissioner noted that symptoms of Monkeypox include fever, headache, weakness of the body, sore throat, and enlargement of glands under the jaw and in the neck.
She said;
“Amid the rise in the number of confirmed cases of Monkeypox in Edo, it has become imperative to warn on the health risks that the virus poses and reiterate the need for residents to be cautious and adhere to safety measures.
“It can also come with the appearance of a rash on the face, palms, soles of the feet, genitals, and other parts of the body, which can appear solid or fluid-filled at the onset and can manifest within a period of two to three weeks following infection, depending on the health status of the individual.
“The virus can be transmitted from infected animals and rodents such as rats, mice, squirrels, and even monkeys; through contact with infected blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs, and sharing of objects.
“Avoid contact with dead or live wild animals such as small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes).
“Thoroughly cook all foods containing animal meat before eating; avoid unprotected contact with infected animals, humans, their beddings, and other linen; wash hands regularly, and use sanitizer when water is not available.”
Obehi also announced that in a bid to curb the outbreak and protect the health of residents, the State Disease Surveillance Team has been deployed to control the outbreak in the state.
Stakeholders across the 18 Local Government Areas of the state are also being engaged. She added;
“If you suspect any symptoms of Monkeypox, kindly visit the nearest health facility for medical attention or call the acting State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (0806 059 3802).”