#Editorial

Taming Monkey Pox

RECENTLY, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention disclosed that it recorded 2,863 confirmed cases of Monkey Pox (Mpox), with 517 deaths, across 13 countries this year. It said there were about 17,000 suspected cases of Mpox in total. 

ACCORDING to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, over 53 suspected cases were reported in Epi week 35, 2024, compared with 68 cases reported in the previous week.

STATISTICS from the National Mpox multi-sectoral and Multi-partner Emergency Operation Center (EOC) showed that since September 2017, 4752 suspected cases have been reported from 36 states and  the FCT, with 1141confirmed cases (24.0 percent) from 35 States and  the FCT with seventeen (17) deaths.

HOWEVER, the National Mpox Multi-Sectoral and Multi-Partner Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has effectively continued to coordinate the response activities.

IT gladens the heart that Nigeria has demonstrated capacity to address pandemics as seen in the outbreak of the Monkey Pox disease in the country. The Hope therefore calls on the government not to relent on its efforts, but should deploy measures to ensure that the disease is checked especially with assistance from partners to prevent further spread especially in states that are yet to record any outbreak.

Monkey Pox is an infectious disease caused by the Monkeypox Virus (MPXV). There are two known clades of MPXV: clade I, previously called the Congo Basin clade, which includes subclades Ia and the recently identified Ib; and clade II, previously called the West African clade.

MPXV transmits between humans through close contact with lesions, body fluids, infectious respiratory particles or contaminated materials, or from animals to humans through contact with live animals or consumption of contaminated bushmeat. It causes signs and symptoms which usually begin within a week of exposure but can start one to 21 days later. Symptoms typically last for two to four weeks but may last longer in someone with a weakened immune system.

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NORMALLY,  fever, muscle aches and sore throat appear first, followed by skin and mucosal rash. Lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes) is also a typical feature of monkeypox, present in most cases. Transmission through sexual contact has been observed to lead to the appearance sometimes of only genital lesions. Children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems are at risk of developing complications and death from the disease. Its symptoms include; fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, chills, headache and fatigue among others.

THE Federal Government also in its attempt to prevent the spread has intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points in response to the threat of Mpox, Clade 1.

THE Federal Government has implemented a new mandate requiring all travellers to complete an online health declaration form before departing for the country. This measure is being introduced alongside the activation of infectious disease centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

IN Ondo State, there has been an ongoing public enlightenment through the media, setting up of a laboratory system for effective sample collection and transportation, a conducive treatment centre and also sensitisation of health workers for a while even when it is yet to record a single outbreak, this is commendable.

THERE is need for Nigeria to put in place diagnostic capacities which are capable of detecting both MPXV clades. 

There must be sustained implementation of risk communication and community engagement appropriate to each context, optimal case management, adherence to infection control measures, strengthening research to better appreciate modes of transmission in different contexts, and sustained support for the development of rapid diagnostic methods and treatments adapted to the needs of patients. 

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THE Hope suggests that anyone with a clinical or laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of the disease should follow the instructions of health authorities according to the local context, possibly including isolation during the infectious period and  Mpox cases must avoid travel, including international travel to prevent avoidable spread.

MEDICAL  Practitioners should be more professional in addressing it by facilitating the early diagnosis of cases through easy access to healthcare services with well-informed clinicians, accessible diagnostics, and management guidance.

THEY should also facilitate the early detection of cases by contact tracing in outbreak settings, ensure isolation of cases, implement partner notification and contact tracing, in line with national recommendations as well as implement appropriate infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings.

PEOPLE must take preventive measures including avoiding contact with infected animals, avoiding contact with bedding and other materials contaminated with the virus, thoroughly cooking all foods that contain animal meat, embracing frequent hand washing with soap and water as well as avoiding contact with people who may be infected with the virus among others.

WE  therefore call on government at all levels to ensure appropriate sensitisation of people especially through the production of jingles especially in indigenous languages which must be aired in the media as those in the rural areas are mostly affected.

 TRANSMISSION through sexual contact has been observed to lead to the appearance sometimes of only genital lesions. Children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems are at risk of developing complications and death from the disease. 

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Taming Monkey Pox

ODHA, SUBEB celebrate teachers

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