Monkeypox spreads in Delta, Nigeria

One of the 5 suspected cases of monkeypox has been confirmed by laboratory testing. The 5 suspected cases are from the local government areas of Aniocha South, Ethiope East, Ika North East, Ndokwa East and Sapele.

Advice

The monkeypox situation, in the Nigeria and Delta states, specifically remains unclear. So far, there have been 74 suspected cases nationally, but in a previous report, authorities denied that monkeypox cases occurred in Delta state.

Travellers are at low risk of exposure since monkeypox is a relatively rare disease caused by a virus that is closely related to the smallpox virus. Infection with monkeypox is not as serious as smallpox, but human deaths have occurred. The virus is transmitted by through the bite of infected rodents or by person to person through respiratory or direct contact with an infected person.

The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backaches, swollen lymph nodes and a fluid filled rash, starting on the face. Eventually, the rash becomes crusty and the scabs will fall off. The illness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.