Don't panic, we have no case of Mpox in Ogun – Health Commissioner

By Peter Adedoyin 

Ogun State government on Wednesday allayed the fear of the residents of the State over the outbreak of Mpox in some states of the Federation, saying that the state has not recorded any case of mpox in any of its twenty local government areas.

The State Commissioner of Health, Dr Tomi Coker, who gave the assurance in a statement she made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State government said there is no need to panic about the disease.

She added that the state has maintained a high level of surveillance since the global outbreak in 2022.

The Commissioner explained that the Ministry has implemented the necessary steps to prevent, detect, and respond appropriately to the public health concern.

Coker said, “The last case of Mpox in Ogun State was in May 2023 and no confirmed case has been reported in Ogun State to date.

“We are aware of the Chicken Pox cases in the state and the necessary measures are already in place. Sensitization of the public on Mpox, chickenpox, and other priority diseases is ongoing through established platforms. Therefore, there is no need to panic.”

She added that, "as of 18th August 2024, the state surveillance system has reported 151 suspected cases of Mpox across the state, but none of the suspected cases has been confirmed to be Mpox though 53 returned positive for Chicken Pox"

"We are aware of the chicken pox cases in the state and the necessary measures are already in place. Sensitization of the public on Mpox, Chickenpox, and other priority diseases is ongoing through established platforms. Therefore, there is no need to panic".

Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. Most patients recover, however, it can result in long-term complications or death if not managed appropriately. People with weakened immune systems are most likely to get seriously ill or die from Mpox.

While disclosing that Mpox is caused by a virus, she listed signs and symptoms of the disease to include rash containing pus or fluid on any part of the body including hands, face, feet, and genitals, headache, fever, muscle and back aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and weakness.

She added that the disease spreads through direct contact with the rash or body fluids from a person sick with Mpox, contact with respiratory droplets of someone sick with Mpox , touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone sick with Mpox and contact with an infected animal

The Commissioner however appealed to residents of the State to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions.

"Practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wear protective gear (gloves, masks) when caring for someone with suspected or confirmed Mpox. 

Avoid contact with animals that may harbour the virus, such as rodents and primates, especially in areas where Mpox is known to occur and ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption".

She also asked residents to report all suspected cases to the nearest health facility in the state.