It is no longer news that there is an outbreak of viral disease, Monkeypox disease which began in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with about 11 persons being p
It is no longer news that there is an outbreak of viral disease, Monkeypox disease which began in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with about 11 persons being placed under medical surveillance. An isolation centre was created by NCDC and the epidemiological team of the state’s Ministry of Health to control the spread of the virus. About 49 other persons who had been in contact with the persons infected with the virus are also being tracked by health experts. Monkeypox is said to be a viral illness by a group of viruses that included chickenpox and smallpox.
Even though there is no cure no vaccine for it, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole has said that there was no cause for alarm as it was mild. The minister revealed that test samples had been sent to the World Health Organisation in Senegal but the result was not yet out. According to him, investigation is still ongoing on this reported outbreak while the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control team in Bayelsa State would give support to partner bodies.
He has therefore made public to Nigerians, tips on how best to avoid contracting the disease:
- Desist from eating monkeys, bush meat and dead animals as doing so could make one susceptible to the Monkeypox Disease.
- Be at alert and avoid crowded places as much as possible
- Avoid contact with squirrels, rats, especially animals that are sick
- Always wash hands with soap and water after contact with animals or when caring for sick human relatives or soiled beddings.
- Health care workers are strongly advised to practice universal precautions while handling patients and/or body fluids at all times. They are also urged to be alert, be familiar with the symptoms and maintain a high index of suspicion. All suspected cases should be reported to the Local Government Area or State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers.
- Health workers must continue to manage their patients without fear. “As long as universal infection prevention and control practices are strictly adhered to by all clinical staff, the chances of transmission are minimal,” he said.
- Although there is no specific medicine to treat the disease, when intensive supportive care is provided most patients recover fully.
- Symptoms include headache, fever, back pains and in advanced cases, rashes bigger than those caused by chicken pox.
The minister has therefore urged anyone with the symptoms to immediately report to the nearest health facility, while advising health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion and observe safety precautions. Mr. Adewole outlined measures being taken to include placing health facilities in Bayelsa on alert, having patients suspected of the disease quarantined, and providing supportive treatments being offered to the victims. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC team in Bayelsa state are also supporting the state government in curbing the spread of the disease, he said.
