MPOX: FG INTENSIFIES BORDER SURVEILLANCE AS CASES REACH 39

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In response to the monkeypox outbreak, the federal government increased monitoring and screening processes at all entrance ports into the country.

Prof Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made the announcement in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah.

On Thursday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported 39 confirmed cases of mpox but no deaths in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the beginning of 2024.

“The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, emphasised that the country has intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points in response to the threat of Mpox, Clade 1,” the SA said in the Thursday statement.

The statement quoted the minister as noting that the NCDC and the Nigeria Ports Health Services, under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, had been taking steps to fortify Nigeria’s defences before the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency.

“This Mpox Clade 1 strain has caused fatalities in up to 10 per cent of individuals who have fallen ill in previous outbreaks. He added that the aim is to tackle and mitigate its impact by deploying measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Pate noted.

He further explained that the government had implemented a new mandate requiring all travellers to complete an online health declaration form before departing for the country.

“This measure is being introduced alongside the activation of infectious disease centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.

“THE COUNTRY HAS LOST MORE THAN 30% OF NIGERIAN TEACHERS IN THREE YEARS WITHOUT REPLACEMENT”- UBEC

The minister further recommended the public to practice good hygiene by often washing their hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, particularly after coming into touch with an infected person or animal.

On Tuesday, the Africa Centre for Disease Control declared a public health emergency because to the continent’s expanding mpox outbreak.

The pandemic has spread to other African countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There is a major and rising outbreak in the DRC, which has now spread outside the country.