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Monkeypox threat rises further as 7 states now affected, 31 cases reported

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Health minister suspends more top officials of NHIS

The threat of the monkeypox virus in Nigeria has risen further with the revelation of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) that there were now 31 suspected cases of affected people reported across seven states.

The affected states include Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River.

In a statement on Monday in Abuja, the NCDC National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the agency was awaiting the laboratory results and confirmation of the 31 suspected cases.

Ihekweazu said, “Samples have been collected from each suspected case for laboratory confirmation. Results are still awaited. So far, there have been no deaths recorded.

Read also: FG’s injection did not cause Monkey Pox in Bayelsa, Rivers –Minister Lai

“It is unlikely that many of the suspected cases are actually monkeypox but all are being investigated. Nigerians are once advised to remain calm, avoid self-medication and report any suspected case to the nearest health facility. Public health authorities across the country have been well informed on what to do when a suspected case arises”.

He stated that the Federal Government has activated emergency operation centres in affected states to coordinate investigation and response.

Ihekweazu said experts and health officials from the EOC will assist the various state Ministries of Health with case finding, epidemiological investigations and contact tracing.

 

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