The current suspected monkeypox outbreak in Nigeria, which has now spread to eight states, is the third in the nation’s history. There were a total of three recorded human cases previously in 1971 (two cases) and 1978 (one case) according to the Centres for Disease Control, CDC.

The current outbreak in Nigeria is of West African origin and associated with milder disease, fewer deaths, and limited human-to-human transmission.

So far, a total of 43 other suspected cases have been reported from eight states (Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ekiti, Lagos, Enugu, Nasarawa, Rivers, and FCT), apart from Bayelsa where the first suspected case was reported

In a press conference in Abuja, The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has said the Monkey Pox test samples obtained from Lagos tested negative, and only three cases of monkeypox have been confirmed in Nigeria.

Preventive Methods

Measures that can be taken to prevent infection with Monkey pox virus include:

• Avoid contact with squirrels, rats and similar animals, especially when these animals are sick or found dead in areas where the Monkeypox virus is circulating.
• Always wash hands with soap and water after contact with animals or when caring for sick relatives.
• Ensure good hygiene

How to Identify

The Monkeypox begins with fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion.

Monkey pox causes lymph nodes to swell and the incubation period (time from infection to symptoms) for monkey pox is usually 7-14 days but can range from 5-21 days.

Early symptoms are:

– Fever

– Headache

– Muscle aches

– Backache

– Swollen lymph nodes

– Chills

– Exhaustion

Within 1-3 days (sometimes longer) after the appearance of fever, the patient develops a rash, often begin on the face then spread to other parts of the body.

Monkeypox is largely a self-limiting disease, and all suspected patients that have been reported to date are doing well clinically.

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