Delta State Records 5 Cases of Monkey Pox Disease

By Enweliku Kent

The Delta State Commissioner for Health Dr. Nicholas Azinge has said that a total of 5 suspected cases of monkey pox disease have so far been reported in the State with one confirmed case while the results of other samples sent to the laboratory are being awaited.

The Delta State Commissioner for Health Dr. Nicholas Azinge made this known in his office during the debriefing session from officials of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Abuja, providers of technical assistance on monkey pox disease to the State.

He listed the affected Council Areas to include Aniocha South, Ethiope East, Ika North East, Ndokwa East and Sapele Local Government Areas and added that a total of 45 contact persons are under follow up by relevant authorities of which sixteen of such have been completed.

According to him arrangements have been concluded with National Centre for Disease Control, Abuja for the rapid transfer of samples collected from suspected cases to World Health Organization reference laboratory in Dakar, Senegal for confirmation and added that suspected cases are being managed by experts and they are responding to treatment.

The constant border patrols of neigbouring Council Areas of Patani, Bomadi, Ughelli and Burutu to Bayelsa State have been stepped up on with the view to checking suspected cases from entering into the State unnoticed.

Assuring residents of the State, Commissioner Azinge said government is on top of its game as it has carried out sensitization of Disease Surveillance officers in the twenty-five (25) LGAs in collaboration with the World Health Organization, while other sensitization activities through the print and broadcast media on still ongoing.

He informed the members of the general public not to panic but go to the nearest health facility if they notice any signs/symptoms of the disease and or call the following numbers: 07037120510 and 08036680784.

Speaking earlier, the Team Leader, said they have been in the State since the 27th of October, 2017 to enable the Centre have a firsthand information from the various affected communities.

He thanked the good people and government of the State on their cooperation and hospitality and promised a closer working relation to check the spread of the disease in the State.