The National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) has called on the general public to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of the monkeypox virus in the country.
The director-general, NBMA, Dr. Rufus Ebegba, who said this in a press statement signed and made available to journalists, stated that it is important for the general public to take drastic steps to stop further infection and spread of the disease.
“It is very important that Nigerians be aware of the health risks monkeypox poses and take caution by adhering to safety measures.
“The symptoms for monkeypox include sudden fever, headache, weakness of the body which can come with body pains, sore throat, enlargement of glands under the jaw and in the neck. 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 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the health status of such an individual.
“This illness can be transmitted from infected animals and rodents such as rats, mice, squirrels and even monkeys, through body contacts such as touching its blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs and sharing of objects hence, to curb the spread of this virus, it is, therefore, necessary to avoid contacts with animals that could harbour the virus (dead or alive). Isolation of infected patients for a specific period, with the practice of good hand hygiene with or without contact with infected animals or humans.”
Ebegba called for strict adherence to public health safety measures and reporting of likely cases of signs and symptoms to the nearest health facility.
He said the NBMA is taking proactive steps while working with other line ministries and agencies to ensure that biosecurity measures are taken to contain the virus.
