Most people likely had not heard of Monkeypox until 22nd of September when a suspected outbreak hit Bayelsa.
Since then, there have been other suspected cases from Six States in Nigeria (Rivers, Ekiti, Akwa-Ibom, Ogun, Cross-River, and more recently, Lagos). None of these cases have been confirmed however. Samples have been collected for laboratory testing and confirmation from affected persons, all of whom are in medical facilities receiving care in their various states. No deaths have been recorded so far.
Monkeypox is a rare viral zoonotic disease, that is, an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans. Its symptoms in humans are similar to those seen in smallpox patients, but much less severe and with a low fatality rate.
How It Is Transmitted
Transmission occurs through contact with an infected animal, human, or contaminated materials.
Animal-to-human transmission: Through bite or scratch from animals and bush meat preparation.
Human-to-Human Transmission: Through respiratory droplets, contact with infected persons or contaminated materials.
Signs and Symptoms
These include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Body pain
- Malaise
- Lymphadenopathy (enlargement of glands),
- Sore throat
- The characteristic generalized vesicular rash. The rashes might last between two to four weeks.
Monkeypox is self-limiting. This means patients tend to recover with time. However, supportive care and management of condition is required and mostly successful.
How to Control
Control measures include:
- Isolation of suspected or confirmed cases
- Strict adherence to universal precautions, especially frequent hand-washing with soap and water, and use of personal protective equipment.
You are 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.
The Federal Ministry of Health through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is supporting the affected States to ensure the outbreak is brought under control and to its limit further spread.
An Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been activated to coordinate the outbreak investigation and response across the affected States. The EOC is currently supporting State Ministries of Health in their response to the outbreak through active case finding, epidemiological investigation and contact tracing.
Measures have been put in place to ensure effective sample collection and testing to enable laboratory confirmation. Risk communication activities have been heightened to advise the public on preventive measures. All 36 States and the FCT have been notified for preparedness.
About the Flying Doctors Nigeria Air Ambulance Service
The Flying Doctors Nigeria is a leading air ambulance company covering West and Central Africa. For patients that have overwhelmed the level of care available in their local environment, air ambulances are essential for transferring these patients to better levels of care.
We also offer medical evacuation plans which provide medical evacuation and treatment in the event of an emergency for a small yearly fee.
To learn more about us and our services, send us an email at
sales@flyingdoctorsnigeria.com.Or visit our website at www.flyingdoctorsnigeria.com
