Monkeypox hits Delta, five cases recorded

There was pandemonium in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday, following the outbreak of the dreaded Monkeypox in two neighbouring council areas in the state capital. Five cases were reported at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba. Among the five cases, four were from Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South council area and the fifth from nearby Ibusa Town in Oshimili North council area.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Azinge, assured residents of the preparedness of the state government to tackle the outbreak. According to Azinge, the state’s response team has been placed on alert in terms of disease surveillance. He explained that two of the victims had been treated and discharged.

This was even as he stated that the two cases were not suffering from Monkeypox, judging by their response to treatments. He further explained that only one of the cases had indications of Monkeypox virus, and thus had since been quarantined.

Azinge disclosed that earnest move was on to track those that came in contact with the affected person. At Owa-Alero General Hospital, Dr. Okechukwu Ugochukwu, a medical doctor in the hospital, who, on behalf of the medical director, Dr. Usama Ejiro Hannah, took the commissioner and his entourage to the suspected victim, said that he noticed six cases, which were more of chicken pox. Ugochukwu explained that the cases were treated and discharged, aside from that of a 56-year-old woman whose case retrogressed because of challenges of funds.

The commissioner said that the blood samples of suspected cases had been sent for laboratory test in Darka, Senegal for confirmation. According to him, until the test results are released, one couldn’t call the cases Monkeypox.

He urged citizens of Delta State to remain calm and report suspected symptoms of the virus to the nearest health facility, rather than relying on self-medications. Azinge also urged the public to desist from consuming rodents, squirrel, rabbit, rats and other animals, which may belong to the monkey family.

His words: “Meats should be properly cooked before eating. There should be regular and proper hand washing with soap. People should also minimize contacts with persons infected with Monkeypox virus and body fluids of suspected sufferers. These are all prevention mechanism that should be adopted by all.”