The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has declared that the outbreak of Monkeypox disease in Bayelsa State was already under control.
Chief Executive Officer of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, made this known on Saturday in Abuja.
According to him, the centre was already managing the current cases while also trying to prevent further spread.
He said as a part of the efforts made so far, a Rapid Response Team (RRT) from NCDC was already working hand in hand with the Bayelsa State government on the issue.
He disclosed that the 13 cases were reported and most of them had been discharged.
He said the remaining four who were still receiving treatment were responding to treatment.
According to him, early detection and proper management were necessary in the chances of survival of the victims.
He described the illness as self-limiting as there was no specific treatment for the virus.
He said however that doctors and healthcare providers had been advised on what to do.
He said: “The key thing is to bring in patients with characteristic rash on their face which is what stands Monkeypox out from other diseases.
“ Monkeypox disease looks like an extreme case of chickenpox but a little bit more severe and the disease looks and sounds a lot worse than it actually is.
“The virus circulates in a few more animals apart from monkeys like rats, squirrels and bush meat and the period of increased risk is at the point of killing, touching or preparing them.
”The people at risk are those who kill, touch or cook the animals – that is those who come in contact with the animals – and don’t use protective measure or wash their hands afterwards.
”Once the virus gets into the human population then there is a risk of human to human transmission which is what has happened in Bayelsa but the first contact is from animal to human.”
