Monkeypox Now In 7 States

The National Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, has said that 31 cases of suspected monkeypox virus cases have been recorded in seven states.
Like a wildfire, the monkeypox virus is spreading across the country.

31 suspected cases of the viral disease has now been recorded in seven states.

The affected states are Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River states.

Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in remote parts of Central and West Africa. Its symptoms are very similar to that of small pox.

The NCDC National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, in a statement on Monday said the agency was awaiting the laboratory results and confirmation of the 31 suspected cases.

Ihekweazu said, “Samples have been collected from each suspected case for laboratory confirmation. Results are still being awaited. So far, there have been no deaths recorded.

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The NCDC boss said the Federal Government had activated emergency operation centres in affected states to coordinate investigation and response in affected states.

Experts and health officials from the EOC, according to Ihekweazu, will assist the various state ministries of health with case finding, epidemiological investigations and contact tracing.