Efforts To Contain Monkeypox In Nigeria Must Intensify, Government Should Spearhead Response

The Guardian Nigeria: The Monkey Pox scare
Editorial Board

“What started as a lone case of suspected Monkeypox disease in Bayelsa State has, within a few weeks, spread to eleven more states with no less than 74 infections, according to the latest reports. Although, the casualty figure has been quite minimal, the rapid spread of the disease demands emergency management action from the federal, state, and local governments. All hands must be on deck to combat this highly contagious disease. … Given the propensity for a rapid spread and the lack of capacity in most states to contain the disease, the Federal Government should spearhead the battle. … Adequate information on measures for prevention and control should be disseminated by all local governments, state Ministries of Health, and even faith-based organizations which can easily reach the people. Personal and environmental hygiene are of course critical. Also, all health workers should adopt universal safety precautions in the management of suspected or confirmed cases by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and wash[ing] hands after each contact with a patient or contaminated materials. Surveillance systems must also be strengthened…” (11/5).

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