Osun confirms two cases of Monkeypox disease

…Implements preventive measures

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Osun State Government has confirmed two cases of monkeypox in the Ilesa West Local Government Area. This announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Barrister Jola Akintola, during a meeting of the Monkeypox Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at the Ministry of Health in Osogbo.

Akintola reassured the public that the government is actively managing the situation and emphasized that monkeypox, also known as M-pox, is a preventable disease.

He urged residents not to panic, stating, “We successfully managed COVID-19 and prevented a cholera outbreak. Now, with two confirmed M-pox cases, the EOC has been activated, and stakeholders will meet every Monday to strategize on preventing the spread of the virus. There is no cause for alarm; our officers are fully prepared, and just as we prevented cholera, we will also prevent the spread of M-pox.”

Dr. Omolola Adeagbo, the State Epidemiologist, provided a detailed report on the M-pox situation. He revealed that from Epidemiological Week 1 to Week 34, a total of 47 suspected cases were recorded across 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). All 47 samples were sent for laboratory testing, with two cases confirmed, both involving male patients aged 5 and 25 from Ilesa West.

Adeagbo also outlined the measures taken by the state to contain the outbreak. These include deploying Rapid Response Team (RRT) members to the field, conducting advocacy and sensitization efforts in the Ogbon Alafia community and at the residences of the index cases, and performing community active case searches and retroactive health facility searches. The confirmed cases have been linked to the state hospital in Ilesa West.

Dr. Akeem Bello, the Director of Public Health, noted that public awareness efforts are ongoing, with jingles broadcast on various stations and health officers appearing on air to educate the public about M-pox.

In their remarks, Dr. Ojediran Oluwatoyin, the State Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), and Mr. Israel Solomon, the State Coordinator for UNICEF, praised the Osun State Government for its proactive measures.

They highlighted the importance of continued sensitization efforts across all local governments and strengthening surveillance and community engagement, especially in the absence of a vaccine for M-pox in the country.