The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control – NCDC, has warned Nigerians that severe cases of monkeypox, currently being experienced in some countries, including Nigeria, are more common among children.
The disease, which according to the World Health Organization is endemic to West and Central African countries, has started to surface in European countries.
NCDC disclosed that only 46 suspected cases have been reported with 15 confirmed so far. Countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Portugal, Spain and Canada, among others have reported cases of the disease.
In a Facebook message posted on its page, the NCDC stated, “Monkeypox is usually self-limiting, with the symptoms lasting between two and three weeks.
“This means that most patients will recover with proper care. Severe cases are common among children.
“Symptoms include fever, body pain, weaknesses, sore throat and rashes on face, palms, soles of feet and other parts of the body. Early reporting saves lives.”
The NCDC has said that it has enough capacity to diagnose and respond to cases of Monkeypox across the country. The centre had said, “We urge anyone who has fluid-filled body rashes (vesicular rash), enlargement of glands and other symptoms of monkeypox stated below, to report to any nearby public health facility for proper diagnosis and care.
“Any health care worker that suspects a case of monkeypox should reach out to their Local Government Area Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers or the state Ministry of Health (Epidemiology team) for appropriate guidance and action.”
