Panic as MonkeyPox disease hits Lagos; Govt sues for caution

Panic as MonkeyPox disease hits Lagos; Govt sues for caution

The dreaded Monkeypox disease has landed in Lagos as two cases have been recorded in the State. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Jide Idris, on Monday, thus triggering an alarm of possible spread of the contagious disease in Nigeria’s most cosmopolitan state.

Lagos was the first port of call of the equally dreaded Ebola virus when it became the defining moment of the nation’s fragile health sector over two years ago.

Disclosing this at a news conference on Monday, Dr. Idris said that the two suspected cases were currently under observation in health facilities in the state.

“Though the suspected cases are still under observation, there is need to sensitise members of the public and provide adequate information on measures for prevention and control of the disease in line with the policy of the State government,” he said.

Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states recorded early cases of Monkeypox.

Charles Udoh, Akwa Ibom state commissioner for information and strategy, who confirmed the outbreak of the disease in his state, also said two other suspected cases are under investigation.