13 persons have tested positive for monkeypox in Bayelsa state.
Dr. Jones Stow, Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health said the confirmed cases were among 50 samples that were sent for laboratory tests.
He explained that the viral infection could be transmitted from the products of animals or contaminated surfaces of humans. He also added that the infection skin rashes that develop into big blisters and result in scars.
Dr. Stow stated that the state government had mobilized medical surveillance teams to carry out active searches in order to mitigate the spread of the monkeypox infection, and also enlighten members of the public about the diseases, especially in areas where the cases were recorded.
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“In Bayelsa, we have confirmed 13 cases (of monkeypox) from 50 samples sent. We have sent our surveillance teams down to places to do what we call active search, moving from household to household asking to know if somebody in the household comes down with these skin rashes.
“And then to see how we can quickly handle it, and if possible, if the cases are bad we move them to our isolation facility.
“We have also set up a coordinating mechanism we call the Public Health Emergency Centre for Monkeypox where we meet almost on a daily basis to discuss the issues. We’ve started doing a lot of training amongst our healthcare workers, even amongst our surveillance team.” he said.
