Eight persons have reportedly tested positive for monkeypox in Edo State, the State ministry of health has said.
This was just as the government warned on the health risks that the virus poses and reiterated the need for residents to be cautious and adhere to safety measures.
The Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akoria Obehi, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the Ministry has ramped up surveillance and other activities to curb the spread of infectious disease.
Obehi urged residents to observe safety measures to reduce the spread of the virus and other infectious diseases in the state.
The Commissioner highlighted symptoms of Monkeypox to include fever, headache, weakness of the body, sore throat, and enlargement of glands under the jaw and in the neck.
According to him, “it can also come with the appearance of a rash on the face, palms, soles of the feet, genitals, and other parts of the body, which can appear solid or fluid-filled at the onset and can manifest within a period of two to three weeks following infection, depending on the health status of the individual.”
While advising on measures to contain the disease, she noted, “The virus can be transmitted from infected animals and rodents such as rats, mice, squirrels, and even monkeys; through contact with infected blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs, and sharing of objects.”
The Commissioner further advised: “Avoid contact with dead or live wild animals such as small mammals including rodents (rats, squirrels) and non-human primates (monkeys, apes)”.
