The Lagos State Government on Monday revealed that two suspected cases of the virulent Monkey Pox have been recorded in the state following the outbreak in Bayelsa on Thursday October 4 and in Akwa-Ibom on October 8.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, revealed this at a news conference today Monday 9, who said the suspected cases were currently being investigated in the state.
"Though no confirmed case has been recorded, there is need to sensitise the public and provide adequate information on measures for prevention and control of the disease in line with the policy of the State government," he expressed.
Idris added that the two suspected cases were recorded in a private hospital he didn’t disclose. “One of the suspects just came from Bayelsa State and ate Bush meat. But the two suspects are re currently being quarantined in the their various houses pending the result of the investigation.”
Idris, however, said in the wake of this outbreak, the state government was reiterating the need for the public to observe and maintain a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene at all times as part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread to the State.
The Commissioner, therefore, urged everyone to be vigilant and report any suspected case of the disease to the nearest public health facility or the Directorate of Disease Control in the State Ministry of Health.
"Also, health workers are advised to practice universal safety precautions in the management of suspected or confirmed cases,” adding that they should wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when attending to cases, wash hands after each contact with patient or contaminated materials while surveillance system must be strengthened.
According to him, the state government has mobilised the Disease Surveillance Officers in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state and health workers in both public and private health facilities have been placed on high alert.
Although the cases are suspected, Idris called on residents of the State to remain calm and go about their various businesses without fear as the government had put in place adequate measures to effectively prevent and control the spread of the infection to the State.
Should anyone suspects cases of MonkeyPox, “the Lagos State Ministry of Health should be notified through the following mobile lines: 08037170614, 09087106072”, Idris advised.
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