Edo confirms 8 cases of monkeypox as govt intensifies efforts to contain outbreak

 

.Harps on community hygiene to check spread

 

CHRIS AKHABUE, Benin City

 

The Edo State Ministry of Health has revealed that eight persons have so far tested positive for monkeypox in the state, urging residents to observe safety measures to reduce the spread of the virus and other infectious diseases in the state.

 

The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akoria Obehi, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, Monday said that the Ministry has ramped up surveillance and other activities to curb the spread of infectious disease.

 

She, however, noted that all persons who were diagnosed with the disease have recovered.

 

Prof. Obehi noted, “Amid the rise in the number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in Edo, it has become imperative to warn on the health risks that the virus poses and reiterate the need for residents to be cautious and adhere to safety measures.”

 

The Commissioner highlighted symptoms of Monkeypox to include fever, headache, weakness of the body, sore throat, and enlargement of glands under the jaw and in the neck.

 

“It can also come with the appearance of a rash on the face, palms, soles of the feet, genitals, and other parts of the body, which can appear solid or fluid-filled at the onset and can manifest within a period of two to three weeks following infection, depending on the health status of the individual.”

 

While advising on measures to contain the disease, she noted, “The virus can be transmitted from infected animals and rodents such as rats, mice, squirrels, and even monkeys; through contact with infected blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs, and sharing of objects.”

 

The Commissioner further advised: “Avoid contact with dead or live wild animals such as small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes).

 

“Thoroughly cook all foods containing animal meat before eating; avoid unprotected contact with infected animals, humans, their beddings, and other linen; wash hands regularly, and use sanitizer when water is not available.”

 

Restating the government’s commitment to containing the outbreak and protecting the health of residents, the Edo Health Commissioner said that the State Disease Surveillance Team has been deployed to control the outbreak in the state, alongside the engagement of stakeholders across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas.

 

“If you suspect any symptoms of monkeypox, kindly visit the nearest health facility for medical attention or call the Acting State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (0806 059 3802),” Prof Akoria advised.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), has urged members of the public to practice good community hygiene as part of preventive measures against monkeypox, measles, Lassa fever, coronavirus and other communicable diseases.

 

Addressing stakeholders during a sensitization rally at Uselu Market, Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Eloghosa Obarisiagbon, said the agency will continue to drive public enlightenment to educate members of the public on the need to observe safety measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus and other communicable diseases in the state.

 

She urged healthcare providers in primary healthcare centres to be more careful and avoid direct contact with blood and other body fluids while caring for sick persons, to avoid being infected with Lassa fever and other communicable diseases.

 

The Health Educator for Egor LGA, Mr. Eghosa Omoregie said Lassa fever which is from the Lassa virus is transmitted to humans through contact with food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or feaces.

 

According to him, the prevention of Lassa fever relies on promoting good community hygiene to discourage rodents from entering homes.

 

He added that storing grains and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers and disposing of garbage far from the home could reduce the risk of contracting Lassa fever.