What to know about monkey pox
Monkey pox is a viral illness in a group of viruses such as chicken pox and small pox. As at yesterday, the disease which was first reported in Bayelsa State on the 22nd of last month was suspected to have spread to six more states.
According to the World Health Orgainsation (WHO) it is a rare viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms in humans similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although less severe. During human monkeypox outbreaks, close contact with other patients is the most significant risk factor for monkeypox virus infection, WHO said.
The symptoms include headache, fever, back pains, sore throat, and in severe cases, rashes bigger than those caused by chicken pox. The rashes might last between two to four weeks.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said transmission of the disease was via contact with infected animal, human, or contaminated materials.
“Animal-to-human transmission occurs through bite or scratch from animals and bush meat preparation. It can also be transmitted from one person to another. Humanto-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, contact with infected persons or contaminated materials. Control measures include isolation of suspected or confirmed cases, strict adherence to universal precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, and use of personal protective equipment,” the organization said.
The NCDC said monkey pox was selflimiting, which means patients tend to recover with time, adding that however, supportive care and management of condition is required and mostly successful.
Minister of Health , Prof Isaac Adewole said anyone with symptoms of monkey pox should immediately report to the nearest health facility, while health workers are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion and observe safety precaution.
He said that the virus had no known treatment and no preventive vaccines hence the public should be at alert and avoid crowded places as much as possible.
He advised the public to avoid eating dead animals, bush meat and particularly bush monkeys.