NCDC Confirm 12 Suspected Monkeypox Cases in Bayelsa

Nigerians have been urged to remain calm even as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, confirmed 12 cases of suspected Monkey Pox in Bayelsa State, with 32

close contacts of the cases placed under watch.

Disclosing this in a statement, National Coordinator/CEO of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said all the cases were currently receiving appropriate medical care and no death had been recorded, but called for high index of suspicion among health workers.

According to Ihekweazu, “On September 22, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, was notified of a case of suspected Monkey Pox. The case was identified in an 11-year-old male patient, who was presented to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, NDUTH, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Subsequently, 11 other cases were identified.

"NO DEATH" 

“All the cases are currently receiving appropriate medical care. All the patients are improving clinically and there have been no deaths. As at October 1, 32 close contacts of the cases have been identified, advised appropriately and are being monitored.

“A Rapid Response Team from NCDC was immediately deployed to support the Bayelsa State Government in the investigations and public health response to the outbreak.