Monkey pox: 2 suspected cases reported in Lagos state

-Two suspected cases of monkey pox reported in Lagos State.

-One of the suspected cases reportedly came in from Bayelsa State and ate bush meat.

-The suspected cases have been quarantined pending result of investigations.

The Lagos State Government on Monday, disclosed the state has recorded two suspected cases of the Monkey pox virus.

This was disclosed by the state’s commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris at a news conference on Monday.

“Though no confirmed case has been recorded, there is need to sensitise members of 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 said.

The two suspected cases were reportedly discovered in an unnamed private hospital, and both have already been quarantined in their various houses pending investigation results, Idris revealed.

One of the suspected cases just came from Bayelsa State and ate Bush meat.

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The commissioner urged the residents of the state to 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.

He also encouraged members of the public to go about their normal daily activities 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, 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.

“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,” Idris said.

“In case of any suspected case of Monkey Pox, the Lagos State Ministry of Health should be notified through the following mobile lines: 08037170614, 09087106072,” he said.