OSUN STATE BATTLES MONKEYPOX OUTBREAK Two Confirmed Cases Reported, Government Assures Public of Containment Measures

By Segilola Babalola, 

The Osun State Government has confirmed an outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox) in the state, with two cases reported in the past 34 weeks.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, on August 27, 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported several confirmed cases across various states.

However, Osun State has only recorded two cases, with the first case reported in March 2024 and the second case confirmed on August 23, 2024, in Ilesa West Local Government.

Barr. Akintola confirmed that one of the patients has fully recovered and returned to school, while the other patient is responding to treatment.

The Commissioner assured the public that there is no cause for alarm, as the Osun State Government has implemented all necessary measures to curtail the spread of the virus.

Sample collection materials have been strategically distributed to health facilities across the state, and the public is advised to be vigilant for symptoms such as painful rashes, headaches, and fever occurring simultaneously.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to visit the nearest health facility immediately.

Furthermore, the public is advised to avoid direct or intimate contact with infected individuals and maintain regular hand washing with soap and running water or using hand sanitizer to maintain proper hygiene.

The Osun State Government is working to ensure the containment of the virus and has assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent the spread of monkeypox in the state.

The public is encouraged to remain calm and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.