The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is urging healthcare workers to strictly adhere to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures when treating Mpox cases in order to prevent further spread of the virus.
The director-general of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris emphasised during an interview with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja that frontline workers must prioritize their own safety while caring for patients. He said, “Protect yourself while caring for Mpox patients. Your safety is just as important as that of your patients.”
Mpox is a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, which spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials and respiratory droplets. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches and a rash that progresses to painful lesions.
Recent reports indicate an increase in suspected and confirmed Mpox cases in some regions of Nigeria, raising concerns about transmission within healthcare facilities. Consequently, the director-general urged hospitals and clinics to reinforce IPC measures to safeguard both health workers and patients.
He outlined several essential safety precautions for healthcare workers, including:
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear gloves, masks, face shields and gowns while handling patients.
Proper Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.
Safe Patient Handling: Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and implement barrier nursing techniques.
Environmental Cleaning: Properly disinfect hospital surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination.
Early Detection and Isolation: Identify suspected cases early and ensure proper isolation to curb further transmission.
Idris assured Nigerians that the NCDC is closely monitoring the Mpox situation and remains committed to providing regular updates and technical support to health facilities. He urged healthcare workers to remain vigilant, promptly report suspected cases and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of Mpox.
He also called on the general public to stay informed, avoid close contact with infected individuals and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.
As part of its ongoing response, the agency is engaging with state health authorities, training healthcare workers and strengthening laboratory capacity for Mpox diagnosis.
Idris reiterated that preventing the spread of Mpox requires a collective effort from both health workers and the general public. He encouraged Nigerians to remain cautious, follow public health guidelines and support efforts to contain the virus.
“For more information and updates, healthcare workers and the public are advised to visit the NCDC’s official website or follow its verified social media channels,” he said.
