By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

The Osun State Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, has urged residents not to panic following the confirmation of two monkeypox (M-pox) cases in Ilesa West. He assured the public that the state government is actively managing the situation and emphasized that M-pox is a preventable disease.

It will be recalled that the state government had, last week, alerted residents to be vigilant against the disease, urging them to report any suspicious symptoms to the appropriate authorities for prompt action.

The Commissioner made this statement during a meeting of the Monkeypox Emergency Operations Center (EOC) pillar held at the Ministry of Health in Osogbo.

Akintola reassured residents that there is no cause for fear, stating, “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 strategize on preventing the spread of the virus.”

He also took the opportunity to commend Governor Ademola Adeleke for his proactive leadership and dedication to public health.

The Commissioner mentioned that during a recent visit to Abuja, he discussed the M-pox situation with the State Epidemiologist, who confirmed that Osun has only seen two cases in the last 34 weeks, compared to hundreds in other states. In response, the Commissioner initiated awareness campaigns across five radio stations, which have greatly contributed to managing the outbreak.

“There is no cause for alarm,” Barr. Akintola said. “Our officers are fully prepared, and just as we prevented cholera, we will also prevent the spread of M-pox.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, thanked all partners for their support and assured them that the Governor is committed to sustaining the state’s proactive measures.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Omolola Adeagbo, provided a situation report on M-pox, revealing that a total of 47 suspected cases were recorded from EPI Week 1 to Week 34 across 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). All 47 samples were sent to the laboratory, with two confirmed cases, both involving male patients aged 5 and 25 from Ilesa West.

Dr. Adeagbo also outlined the actions taken, including the deployment of Rapid Response Team (RRT) members to the field, advocacy and sensitization efforts in the Ogbon Alafia community and at the index case’s residence, as well as community active case search and retroactive health facility search. The confirmed cases have been linked to the state hospital in Ilesa West.

The Director of Public Health, Dr. Akeem Bello, noted that jingles have been broadcast on various stations, and officers have been on air to raise awareness about M-pox.

In their contributions, the State Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Ojediran Oluwatoyin, and the State Coordinator for UNICEF, Mr. Israel Solomon, commended the state government’s proactive steps. They emphasized that while there is currently no vaccine for M-pox in the country, the state should continue its sensitization efforts across all local governments and strengthen surveillance and community engagement.

In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, stated that the confirmed cases in Osun are a wake-up call. He urged everyone to fulfil their responsibilities and expressed confidence that, by God’s grace, the state will overcome this challenge.

Among those present at the meeting were the Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Oluwole Fabiyi; Director of Medical Services, HMB, Dr. Oluwakemi Oladigbo; Director of Planning and Research, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olalekan Famakinwa; Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Tanimowo; and UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital paediatrician, Dr. Funsho Olagunju, among others.