- The African continent declared a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) as the Mpox (Monkeypox) outbreak continues to spread across many countries
- The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 39 confirmed cases of mpox across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory
- The Health authorities in Abia State have confirmed its first case of Monkeypox disease in Isialangwa Local Government Area of the state
Health authorities in Abia State have confirmed that Monkeypox disease has been detected in Isialangwa Local Government Area of the South East Nigeria region.
Abia State Government says it has recorded one incident of Monkeypox in the state.
The state’s commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this during a briefing in Umuahia after the weekly Executive Council meeting on Monday, August 20.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who chaired the state’s executive council meeting on Monday.
He noted that there were 13 suspected cases, one of which was positive, nine negative, and three uncertified, with no death recorded yet.
He also said the case was in Isialangwa, and the state has opened centres, including Abia State University Teaching Hospital, and that “more centres are coming soon.”
The Special Adviser to the governor on Health, Ngozi Azodo, further explained that there is a synergy between the Ministries of Health, Environment, and Public Utilities, adding that a steering committee has been set up on infectious diseases. At the same time, the state has been keyed into the federal government's “One-Health” policy.
Azodo also disclosed that the state Ministry of Health has concluded plans to deliver 200 Primary Healthcare Centres in 100 days; this will be done by ” renovating and retrofitting existing PHCs to bring them up to standard.”
According to her, the move is a “bold step taken by the ministry. Work begins in the first week of September,” and delivery begins in December as a ” Christmas gift” to Abians.
She also stressed that the Abia state government is considering strengthening such facilities and has maintained high surveillance.
She, however, called on citizens to maintain good hygiene, reduce contact with animals, and stay away from people with suspected cases.
NCDC records 39 Mpox cases, zero deaths, intensifies surveillance in Nigeria
Earlier, TheRadar reported that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported 39 confirmed cases of mpox across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Director General of the agency said efforts are being intensified to ensure early detection and response to new cases.
NCDC also disclosed that it's intensifying surveillance across Nigeria by putting all port health services across all five international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders on high alert to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases.