Rivers State Government confirms two cases of Monkey Pox

The state had already placed its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre on high alert to address any further emergencies

The Rivers State Government has confirmed two cases of the deadly Mpox infection within the State.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, during a news conference held in Port Harcourt.

Oreh stated that the state had already placed its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre on high alert to address any further emergencies.

“Recently, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control confirmed 39 cases of Mpox nationwide, with Rivers State accounting for two of those cases.

“We have dispatched our medical teams to handle all emergencies across healthcare facilities, including general and specialist hospitals,” she said.

According to Oreh, the state government has implemented an incident response plan for Mpox and mobilised resources to identify all cases of the infection within the state.

She explained that the ministry has engaged and trained ad hoc staff to monitor and effectively combat the infection.

“These ad hoc staff are now equipped to respond to this infection at all levels of our healthcare system,” she added.

About Mpox

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare and infectious disease caused by the mpox virus.

The virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which includes other diseases such as smallpox, cowpox, and camelpox.

Mpox is typically found in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, where it is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as rodents, primates, and marsupials.

The symptoms of mpox are similar to those of smallpox, but milder. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, and a characteristic rash that progresses from flat to raised bumps.

The rash can appear on the face, hands, feet, and genital area, and can be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes and a general feeling of illness.

In severe cases, mpox can lead to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and death.

Mpox is transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, as well as through human-to-human contact with an infected person’s lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated objects.

The virus can also be spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk of transmission is higher in areas with poor hygiene and sanitation, and among individuals with weakened immune systems.

Prevention and control measures for mpox include avoiding contact with infected animals and individuals, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves, and practicing good hygiene and sanitation.

Vaccination against smallpox has been shown to provide some protection against mpox, and a new vaccine specifically designed for mpox has been developed.

Treatment for mpox typically involves supportive care, such as wound care and pain management, as well as antiviral medication in severe cases.

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