Edo Confirms 8 Cases of Monkeypox Infection

26 Jul Edo Confirms 8 Cases of Monkeypox Infection

The Edo State Ministry of Health has confirmed that eight persons have so far tested positive for monkeypox in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof Akoria Obehi, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin City, said the Ministry had ramped up surveillance and other activities to curb the spread of infectious disease.

She, however, noted that all persons who were diagnosed with the disease have recovered.

Prof Obehi noted, “Amid the rise in the number of confirmed cases of monkeypox in Edo, it has become imperative to warn on the health risks that the virus poses and reiterate the need for residents to be cautious and adhere to safety measures.”.

The Commissioner highlighted symptoms of Monkeypox to include fever, headache, weakness of the body, sore throat, and enlargement of glands under the jaw and in the neck.

“It can also come with the appearance of a rash on the face, palms, soles of the feet, genitals, and other parts of the body, which can appear solid or fluid-filled at the onset and can manifest within a period of two to three weeks following infection, depending on the health status of the individual.”

Prof. Obehi, who urged residents to observe safety measures to reduce the spread of the virus and other infectious diseases in the state, noted, “The virus can be transmitted from infected animals and rodents such as rats, mice, squirrels, and even monkeys; through contact with infected blood, body fluids, spots, blisters or scabs, and sharing of objects.