Ogun State’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Tomi Coker, says there’s no need to worry. So far, no cases of mpox have been found in any of the 20 local government areas in Ogun State.
On Wednesday, Dr. Coker told DAILY POST that the state has been keeping a close watch since 2022, when mpox became a global concern.
She explained that the Health Ministry has taken steps to stop the spread, find cases early, and handle them properly.
Dr. Coker said, “The last mpox case in Ogun State was in May 2023, and no new cases have been confirmed since then.
“We know about some chickenpox cases in the state. We are already doing what needs to be done to inform people about mpox, chickenpox, and other important diseases. So, there’s no need to worry.”
DAILY POST reported that on August 18, 2024, 151 possible mpox cases were checked in the state. Out of those, 53 cases were actually chickenpox, but none were mpox.
However, the Health Commissioner asked people to stay away from anyone who has symptoms like rashes or skin sores.
“Keep your hands clean by washing them often with soap and water or using hand sanitizer. Wear gloves and masks if you are caring for someone who might have mpox.
“Avoid contact with animals like rodents and monkeys that might carry the virus. Cook meat well before eating it.”
She also told people to report any suspected cases to the nearest health center.
On Friday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said Nigeria has 40 confirmed mpox cases out of 830 suspected cases so far.