Sodiq Ojuroungbe
The Edo State Ministry of Health has confirmed three cases of mpox (Monkey pox) in the state, following the recent declaration of the disease as a Public Health Emergency by the Africa Centre for Diseases Control and the World Health Organisation.
According to a public health advisory issued by the ministry, the three patients are currently receiving care at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, and Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi, respectively.
The patients have been isolated, and the ministry has urged residents to maintain strict Infection Prevention and Control measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
Mpox is a viral disease characterized by flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a distinctive rash that develops into small, fluid-filled blisters and eventually forms scabs.
The disease primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal, or by touching contaminated objects.
The ministry, however, advised residents to maintain regular hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based sanitizer, disinfecting surfaces and objects, managing waste properly, and practicing respiratory hygiene by covering while coughing and sneezing and using masks in crowded areas.
The ministry added, “In the past 72 hours, the State has identified three patients with suspected Monkeypox. These patients have been isolated and are currently receiving care at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua and Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi respectively.
“We urge everyone to maintain strict Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures at all times, such as regular hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol- based sanitizer, disinfecting surfaces and objects, managing waste properly, and practicing respiratory hygiene by covering while coughing and sneezing and using masks in crowded areas.
“Edo State, in collaboration with other stakeholders, will continue to provide the public with additional informative and educational materials as necessary.
“For further inquiries or to report any suspected cases of Mpox, please contact the following State officials: State Epidemiologist: 07039275557
State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer: 08060593802.”
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