Badmus Mary
It is no news anymore that suspected cases of monkeypox have been reported in Nigeria mainly in seven states. According to The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Abuja, 31 suspected cases of the monkeypox virus have been recorded in seven states which include Bayelsa, Rivers, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River states. So far, there have been no deaths recorded. It is unlikely that many of the suspected cases are actually monkeypox, but all are being investigated.
Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus originating from Central and West Africa. It is usually transmitted to humans from rodents, pets, and primates through contact with the animal’s blood or through a bite. Monkeypox is closely related to smallpox but a milder form of it. Human to Human transmission is via close contact with infected respiratory tract secretions, objects contaminated by patients’ fluids or skin lesions of an infected person. This means that household members of active cases are at greater risk of infection.
Signs and symptoms include fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph nodes, back pain, muscle ache, lack of energy, severe rash often beginning on the face and then spreading elsewhere on the body. Severe cases occur more commonly among children and are related to the extent of virus exposure, patient health status and severity of complications.
Although there are no specific treatments or vaccines available for monkeypox infection, outbreaks can be controlled. We should therefore remain calm, watch out for the signs and reduce contact with infected humans, bush animals, and rodents as well. All meat should be properly cooked before being eaten. Avoid contact with any materials, such as bedding, that has been in contact with a sick person or animal. Practice good hand hygiene after contact with infected animals or humans, such as washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
We cannot overemphasize the effect of prayers as regards the situation recalling that the prayer of the righteous availeth much. Let us all remember to pray for our country at large, the Church of Christ and our families.
Sources: WHO Factsheets, Wikipedia, The Punch