Health
Nigerian Govt Intensifies Surveillance For Early Detection Of MPox
The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points in response to the threat of MPox.
This is contained in a statement by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, on Thursday in Abuja.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that MPox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by a highly contagious and deadly monkeypox virus.
It has been causing widespread devastation in several regions of Africa, prompting the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare it a Global Health Emergency.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Focus on Hard Work, Not Just Prosperity – Osinbajo Tells Nigerian Churches
- Olympics Best Basketball Coach: Tinubu Hails As D’Tigress’ Wakama On Award
- WAEC to Release May/June 2024 WASSCE Results Today
This necessitated urgent and coordinated international action to contain its spread and mitigate its impact.
Pate explained that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, and the Nigeria Ports Health Services, under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, had been taking steps to fortify Nigeria’s defenses.
He added that these steps were taken even before the declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and prevention.
“This Mpox Clade 1 strain has caused fatalities in up to 10 percent of individuals who have fallen ill in previous outbreaks.
“The aim is to tackle and mitigate its impact by deploying measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Pate pointed out that the government had implemented a new mandate requiring all travelers to complete an online health declaration form before departing for the country.
FURTHER READING
- Rwandan President, Paul Kagame Sworn in for Fourth Term
- Benue PDP Crisis: Sheath Your Swords -Ortom Urges Supporters
- BREAKING: Explosion Rocks APP Secretariat in Rivers
The measure, he said, was being introduced alongside the activation of infectious disease centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that MPox is transmitted through close contact, such as sex, skin-to-skin contact, and talking or breathing close to another infected person.
It causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions and can be fatal, with four in 100 cases leading to death.
Outbreaks of Mpox can also be prevented and controlled with vaccines, although these are usually only available for people at risk or those in close contact with an infected person.
Click here to watch our video of the week:
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
