The dreaded Monkey Pox virus has spread to no fewer than seven states of the country.
The number of suspected cases so far recorded is now 31.
These details were made known on Monday in Abuja by the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu.
He said following the notification of a suspected Monkey Pox outbreak in Bayelsa, other suspected cases have been reported from six more states.
The states are: 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.
“It is unlikely that many of the suspected cases are actually monkey pox, 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,’’ he said.
Ihekweazu said that the Federal Ministry of Health, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), had been helping the concerned states to put the disease under control.
Said he: “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.’’
