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Tag: monkeypox

  • Ondo confirms 12 cases of M-pox, begins vaccination process

    Ondo confirms 12 cases of M-pox, begins vaccination process

    The Ondo State Government on Monday said 12 cases of monkeypox, known as M-pox, have been recorded in the State.

    Victor Adefesoye, the Director of Disease Control of Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA), disclosed this at the stakeholders’ meeting on mpox vaccination in Akure.

    Adefesoye said the discovery was made in eight local government areas saying there is a need to contain the spread of the contagious diseases with vaccination

    “The disease is with us in Ondo State, particularly in these local government areas: Akoko South-West, Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East and Odigbo,” he said.

    Read Also: No room for Obi, Atiku, Amaechi’s coalition in Ondo, says Aiyedatiwa

    However, he said the state will begin the vaccination between August 11 and 21 to targeted people who are above 18 years old and above.

    Adefesoye declared that the vaccination is safe and free, stressing that it would also apply to close relatives, contacts, and health workers who have come in close with the infected persons.

    “They already have the disease, and we will also vaccinate their close relatives, contacts, and health workers that have handled them.

    “We anticipate that, though we have contacted them, some may still feel reluctant to take it. We encourage you as stakeholders to encourage them and be vaccinated,” he said.

    The Director added that the targeted people would be given two doses of the injectable vaccine at different intervals.

    He, however, asked the people of the state to imbibe the culture of personal and environmental sanitation for a good and healthy society.

  • Edo records 13 Lassa Fever deaths, confirms three Monkeypox cases

    Edo records 13 Lassa Fever deaths, confirms three Monkeypox cases

    The Edo state government has reported 13 deaths from a Lassa fever outbreak in the state.

    Dr. Stephenson Ojeifo, Director of Public Health at the Edo Ministry of Health, disclosed this on Sunday in Benin, revealing that the state recorded 83 confirmed cases of Lassa fever.

    Additionally, three cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) have been confirmed, though no fatalities have been recorded.

    He said: “Since the outbreak of Lassa fever in Edo on December 30, 2024, we have over 378 suspected cases. 

    “As at today, 83 were confirmed positive to the disease, with 13 mortality. Seven are still receiving treatment, while others have been discharged.”

    Edo’s director, public health, also noted that the casualties were recorded  in Etsako West, Esan West and Esan Northeast Local Government Areas of the state, which he described as the three epic local governments of Lassa fever in Edo.

    He attributed the mortality to the late presentation of patients to the hospital for examination and treatment.

    Ojeifo stated that to address the challenge, he and other health professionals were liaising with private hospitals in Edo, so as to ensure that referrals were promptly brought to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) in Edo Central Senatorial District, designated for the treatment of Lassa fever.

    He revealed that officials of Edo ministry of health and staff of the National Council for Disease Control (NCDC) in the state visited the three local governments where the deaths were recorded, for contact tracing.

    Edo’s director, public health, said: “Lassa fever presents symptoms like malaria, until it gets to an advanced stage. 

    Read Also: Monkeypox: A growing global health threat

    “So, we are sensitising the residents of the communities that when anyone has fever that is not resolved within 72 hours, they should immediately seek medical treatment at  ISTH.”

    Ojeifo called on residents of the three affected local government areas not to self-medicate, but report to the nearest hospital, when they had symptoms of malaria.

    It would be recalled that between December 30, 2024 and January 24, 2025, when Edo Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, declared the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state, it recorded 56 confirmed positive cases, with eight deaths.

  • Monkeypox: A growing global health threat

    Monkeypox: A growing global health threat

    Charles Adeogun

    In recent years, the resurgence of the monkeypox (Mpox) disease has become a significant public health concern, with outbreaks spreading across various geographical locations and the number of infected individuals rising steadily.

    This rare and infectious disease, caused by the mpox virus from the Orthopoxvirus genus, has prompted global alarm due to its increasing incidence and the severity of its symptoms.

    Epidemiology and global spread

    Traditionally, monkeypox has been endemic to Central and West Africa, with outbreaks typically confined to these regions.

    However, the disease has recently expanded its reach, leading to significant outbreaks in Nigeria (2017 and 2024), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (2018 and 2024), and more widespread global cases reported in 2022 and 2024.

    Transmission

    Monkeypox spreads through multiple routes, making it a challenging disease to control. The primary transmission methods include:

    Contact with infected animals

    This includes rodents and primates, as well as direct transmission from infected humans.

    Direct contact with body fluids: Blood, saliva, and pus from infected individuals are highly contagious.

    Indirect contact: Touching contaminated objects and surfaces can also lead to infection.

    Exposure to respiratory droplets: Inhalation of droplets from coughing or sneezing can spread the virus.

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    Clinical features

    The symptoms of monkeypox are often severe and can include:

    Fever, chills, and fatigue

    Headaches and muscle aches

    Malaise and swollen lymph nodes

    A characteristic rash that begins as flat spots and evolves into pus-filled blisters

    The incubation period for monkeypox, which is the time from exposure to the virus to the onset of symptoms, typically ranges from 10 to 14 days, but it can vary between 5 to 21 days.

    Treatment and prevention

    As with most viral infections, treatment for monkeypox is primarily supportive, focusing on fluid administration, adequate rest, and pain management.

    In some cases, antiviral medications may be required.

    Prevention remains the most effective strategy for combating the spread of monkeypox.

    Key preventive measures include:

    Vaccination, particularly for vulnerable individuals, with the smallpox vaccine offering some protection against monkeypox.

    The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure risks.

    Practicing good personal hygiene and avoiding touching areas with mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, and mouth.

    Health education, public enlightenment, and sensitisation efforts to promote adherence to health guidelines and minimize the risk of transmission.

    High-risk behaviors and

    regional considerations

    In regions of Central and West Africa, where monkeypox prevalence is high, the consumption of bushmeat or wild game poses a significant risk.

    The handling, preparation, cooking, and consumption of infected bushmeat have been identified as important potential routes for transmission.

    To mitigate the spread of monkeypox, it is recommended that individuals in high-risk zones avoid consuming bushmeat.

    Additionally, thorough cooking methods and high food hygiene standards are crucial in reducing transmission risks.

    Cooking meat to a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) is essential to ensure safety.

    Current outbreak status

    As of August 26, 2024, over 21,000 cases of monkeypox have been reported worldwide, resulting in more than 500 fatalities.

    The majority of cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    Other countries such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Sweden, and Thailand are also reporting infections.

    The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

    In Nigeria, approximately 40 cases of monkeypox have been recorded in 2024, with no fatalities reported so far.

    The situation underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance, public health interventions, and adherence to preventive measures to curb the spread of this potentially deadly disease.

    •Adeogun is a medical doctor.

  • Pyrates raise monkeypox awareness at markets

    Pyrates raise monkeypox awareness at markets

    National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Zanas Deck, Lagos Mainland Chapter,  has organised a health awareness in markets, educating vendors and shoppers about monkeypox disease.

    The outreach, at Census Market in Surulere, is on preventive measures and importance of early detection

    Chair, Nnaemeka Ezeokwelume, said: “What prompted this is that we’ve been looking at the statistics, the spread, and it’s growing. We have our team giving us updates, and we saw need to come out and let people know.”

    According to him, it is the job of a pyrate to creating awareness and help the voiceless raise their voices in society.

    “This is our immediate environment. So, this is something we do – what we do to make lives around us better?

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    “We are not funded by government. We are not funded by any foreign body, but we scratch ourselves to do this. Like we always say, whenever a community we reside in needs help, a pirate must be the first to come out,” he said.

    Chair of Census Meat Market Association, Muftau Adeagbo, hailed the Pyrates.

    He said they appreciate the outreach and that it’s beneficial to them, especially women and children, in the near future.

    He further urged that they should keep the good work, not just to the marketers but to their fellow citizens and they would be remembered for good.

    “What I advise is that they should keep the good work  up, not just to the marketers, but also to their fellow citizens, and that way they would be remembered for good.They’ve been here last year that they gave us gifts, beneficial sanitary products like brooms, packers, etc. that really helped in keeping the market clean till today. We are so grateful,” he said.

  • Monkeypox: NCoS allays fear of outbreak in custodial centres

    Monkeypox: NCoS allays fear of outbreak in custodial centres

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed that there are no cases of Mpox in its 256 custodial centres across the country.

    Abubakar Umar, Assistant Controller of Corrections, (ACC) Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO) made known this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    NAN reports that Nigeria reported 48 mpox cases across 19 states and the FCT, with no deaths recorded, according to the NCDC.

    On Aug. 27, Nigeria received 10,000 vaccine doses from the U.S. government to control the outbreak.

    While Nigeria has previously handled isolated cases of the virus, the current outbreak has escalated the situation, necessitating a more pressing and concerted response.

    Umar however , attributed the Service’s success to the proactive measures taken to prevent the outbreak of diseases, including ensuring compliance with medical directives, robust sanitation systems, and adequate water supply.

    He also disclosed that the service was also working in synergy with state governments and the Ministry of Health to prevent the outbreak of Mpox in all the custodial centres in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Two Monkeypox cases confirmed in Osun

    According to him, one of the things that cannot be taken away with the NCoS is the proactive steps taking to actually prevent outbreak of any diseases in our custodial centres.

    “One of the numerous steps is the health hygiene of the custodial centres which is by ensuring that all the necessary steps to adhere to compliance with directives from the medical personnel is taken seriously.

    “Furthermore, we have a robust system where once we notice an outbreak outside, we take proactive steps so that we do not allow staff or inmates to come in contact with or close to those who are infected or maybe infected.

    “But the most important thing that the service has actually activated over the years is the issue of preventive measures, because we will ensure that sanitation and adequate water system is provided within our custodial centres.

    “This is because most of these diseases has to do with what we call issue of environment and contact of an infected person and we have a robust records and good record judging from the past.

    “We have never had such outbreak within our custodial centres and this will not be an exception as the NCoS Controller General, Haliru Nababa has given his assurance, “he said.

    Umar affirmed that the progressive changes evident at the NCoS were as a result of deliberate efforts of the President Bola Tinubu’s Administration to address the neglect of the past.

    This, he said was with improved budgetary provisions, infrastructure upgrade, improved logistics, staff and inmates’ welfare, among other considerations.

    He assured that the service would maintain an infection-free regime in its custodial centres adding that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the NCoS CG, were doing everything necessary to see to it that the Mpox does not spread into custodial centres.

    He said “like I said earlier, we are doing so much that we ensure we never witness such in our custodial centres as a result of proactive measures taken by our service through the effective coordination of our medical personnel.

    “This is to ensure that issue of sanitation is taken seriously within our custodial centres and also ensure water supply to our custodial centres is the one that will  not bring danger to the inmates.

    “This also includes the provision of necessary medical assistance to our both high profile custodial centres and even the ones that are not in danger of such Mpox. We are doing so much. No cases of Mpox in custodial centres.

    “The Service has also embarked on the construction of three units of 3,000-cell high capacity custodial centres each in three geo-political zones in the country.

    “These are located in Kano (North West), Karshi-Abuja (North-Central) and Bori Rivers State (South-South), in a bid to address the challenges being faced by the NCoS in accommodating inmates.

    “We are in partnership with state governments, like the Ministry of Health in some of these states, to ensure that we work in synergy with them.

    “This is to ensure we don’t have such outbreak because if such should happen, it will speak alot within the community where our custodial centres are located,”he said.

    (NAN) 

  • Two Monkeypox cases confirmed in Osun

    Two Monkeypox cases confirmed in Osun

    Two cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Ilesa West local Government Area of Osun State.

    The state government urged residents to remain calm as the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) had been open to tackle the spread.

    The Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola , confirmed the cases during a meeting at the Ministry of Health in Osogbo, state capital.

     “Akintola disclosed that the cases were recorded in Ilesa west and assured the public that the state government is actively managing the situation.

    Read Also: Two policemen killed during clash with Islamic group in FCT

    “We successfully managed COVID-19 and prevented a cholera outbreak. Now, with two confirmed M-pox cases, the EOC has been activated, and stakeholders will meet every Monday to strategise on preventing the spread of the virus.”

    “Osun has only seen two cases in the last 34 weeks, compared to hundreds in other states. There is no cause for alarm. Our officers are fully prepared, and just as we prevent cholera, we will also prevent the spread of M-pox,”  a news bulletin by the Ministry of Information by Segilola Babalola quoted the commissioner as saying this yesterday.

  • Monkeypox: Nigeria records 39 cases in 33 states, FCT

    Monkeypox: Nigeria records 39 cases in 33 states, FCT

    • Nine states, 61 entry, exit ports put on high alert

    Thirty-nine cases of Mpox have been detected in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said yesterday.

    The agency said the cases so far recorded in the affected states are as follows: Bayelsa (16), Cross River (five), Ogun (four), Lagos (four), Ondo (three), and Ebonyi (three), declaring the above states as leading in the disease prevalence.

    It said Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, and Taraba states have been placed on high alert.

    Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (disease of animals transmitted from animals to humans) that is endemic in several African countries, including the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.

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    The exact reservoir of the virus is still unknown, although rodents, squirrels, and monkeys are suspected to play a part in transmission.

    The Mpox virus can spread both from animal to human and from human to human.

    The NCDC has activated its National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), a multi-sectoral body housed within the agency, to continue to coordinate response activities.

    Also, as of August 11, the country had recorded 176 deaths and a cumulative total of 5,951 suspected cases across 36 states and FCT and 152 local government areas.

    The fatality rate stands at 3.0 per cent with the data reflecting a continued increase in the number of cases being recorded across the country.

    So far, the most affected age groups are less than five years old.

    Giving an update on the Mpox outbreak and other diseases in the country yesterday in Abuja, NCDC Director General Jide Idris said: “As part of the government’s ongoing efforts, we have intensified surveillance across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases.

    “This includes putting all port health services across all five international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot-crossing borders on high alert.

    “Diagnostic protocols, according to the IDSR, are now distributed to these locations, and port health officers are on high alert and screening for suspected cases.

    “Some states have also been put on high alert, including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, and Taraba.

    “We are also conducting contact tracing and monitoring for confirmed cases to prevent further spread.

    “This will now also include declarations by travellers who have been to any of the countries where there is an ongoing outbreak of Mpox in the last 90 days.

    “Additionally, we continue to provide healthcare workers and the public with updated guidance on infection prevention and control measures and train SURGE workers as part of our preparedness and readiness for a Mpox public health event.

    “The NCDC is also notifying public and private hospitals about the Mpox alert and sending a list of referral isolation/treatment centers across the six geopolitical zones and reference laboratory networks which include NRL, CPHL, NIMR, LUTH, ACEGID, UNTH, UPTH.

    “We are also considering vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, as Nigeria expects to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine.

    “The TWG remains committed to providing evidence-based guidance to inform the country’s next steps in safeguarding the health of Nigerians at national, state, and local government levels.”

  • NCDC assures on Monkeypox containment

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed its awareness of two confirmed cases of Monkeypox in the United Kingdom (UK) in patients with a recent travel history from Nigeria.

    The centre stated that since the re-emergence of Monkeypox in Nigeria last September, NCDC has continued to get reports and respond to cases of the disease from states across the country. Between last September, when the outbreak started and last month, a total of 262 suspected cases have been reported from 26 states.

    Of these, 113 have been confirmed in 16 states and seven deaths with the highest number reported in the Southsouth.

    In a statement made available to The Nation, the  Centre said following the recent report of the two cases in the UK, it has been working with the UK’s public health agency; Public Health England (PHE), the public health departments in the affected states and other partners in Nigeria to investigate these cases.

    “The NCDC has also been working with states to strengthen surveillance, detection and response to cases of Monkeypox,” explained Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, CEO, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), adding: “A Technical Working Group coordinated by NCDC and comprising partners from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, US Centres for Disease Control (US CDC) and other agencies, meet weekly to ensure coordination. In addition, NCDC met with stakeholders recently, including surveillance officers and case management physicians from all affected states to review the actions taken so far and strategise on how to strengthen the country’s response.”

    Monkeypox is a virus that is spread primarily from animals to humans, with symptoms, such as fever, headache, body pain, malaise, lymphadenopathy (enlargement of glands), sore throat and the typical generalised vesicular rash. This may last for two to four weeks. Transmission is via direct contact with infected animals, human, or contaminated materials. The virus does not spread easily between people and the risk of transmission to the wider public is very low.

    Monkeypox is self-limiting, which means patients tend to recover in a couple of weeks. However, supportive care and management of the condition is required and mostly successful. Control measures include isolation of suspected or confirmed cases, strict adherence to universal precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water and the use of personal protective equipment.

     

  • MonkeyPox: Cross River records third suspected case

    MonkeyPox: Cross River records third suspected case

    Another suspected case of the monkey pox disease has been discovered in Cross River State, bringing the number of suspects to three.
    Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu, who confirmed the development to The Nation yesterday, said the latest case was in Ikom local government area, and the suspect is a 28 year old female local government worker.
    The first case and second case in Ikom and Calabar Municipality respectively were discovered early last month.
    Edu said the suspect like the previous two cases had been quarantined and all contacts traced.
    She said the blood sample had been taken and handed over to the disease surveillance and notification officer.
    She said results for the earlier suspected cases which were sent to Dakar in Senegal had not been gotten yet.
  • MonkeyPox hits Edo

    MonkeyPox hits Edo

    A suspected case of MonkeyPox disease has been discovered in Edo State.

    The patient is currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

    Management of the hospital who disclosed this on Tuesday said samples have been taken for test and result was being awaited from the designated World Health Organization (WHO) accredited test center.

    Public Relations of the hospital, Mr. Uwaila Joshua, in a statement said the patient was responding to treatment and was undergoing further evaluations.

    Mr. Uwaila said the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof.Darlinton Obaseki, in preparation for a possible outbreak of MonkeyPox virus in the state equipped an isolated complex designed to give emergency treatment to patients affected with the disease.

    According to the statement, “The good news is that the patient is recovering very fast and we presently do not have any reason to worry.

    “The UBTH in conjunction with the relevant agencies in the state government and local Government health authorities are working together and monitoring close contacts of this person and so far, no one has come down with the sickness.

    “There is no need or cause for concern or worry and no danger posed to staff or patients of the hospital. The patient is in an isolated complex. The hospital is ready and prepared to contain any situation if there is need to. As at now, there is no cause for alarm”, it stated.