All you need to know and do to avoid contacting monkey pox

 The Lagos State government has  revealed to the public of a possible outbreak of the new viral disease, Monkey Pox, as two suspected cases have been recorded in the state.

This, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Jide Idris, disclosed at a news conference, though, he did not disclose the identity and location of the patients, he did state that the two suspected cases were recorded in a private hospital in the state.

The Federal Government has also recorded cases of the outbreak in Rivers and Bayelsa States.

The Commissioner implored on the public to also be vigilant and report any suspected case of the disease to the nearest public health facility or the Directorate of Disease Control in the State Ministry of Health.

Idris said, ‘Though no confirmed case has been recorded, there is need to sensitise members of the public and provide adequate information on measures for prevention and control of the disease in line with the policy of the State government.’

He added that one of the suspects just came from Bayelsa State and ate Bush meat.

Idris said the two suspects were currently being quarantined in the their various houses pending the result of the investigation.

‘In the wake of this outbreak, the state government is reiterating the need for members of the public to observe and maintain a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene at all times as part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread to the State.

‘Also, health workers are advised to practice universal safety precautions in the management of suspected or confirmed cases, wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when attending to cases, wash hands after each contact with patient or contaminated materials while surveillance system must be strengthened.

‘The state government has mobilised the Disease Surveillance Officers in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state and health workers in both public and private health facilities have been placed on high alert.

‘In case of any suspected case of Monkey Pox, the Lagos State Ministry of Health should be notified through the following mobile lines: 08037170614, 09087106072,’ he said.