Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has warned that severe cases of monkeypox currently being experienced in some countries, including Nigeria, are common in children.
The disease, which according to the World Health Organisation is endemic to West and Central African countries, has started to surface in European countries.
While NCDC noted that only 46 suspected cases had been reported with 15 confirmed so far, countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Portugal, Spain and Canada, among others reported cases of the disease.
The centre assured Nigerians of its capacity to effectively diagnose and respond to cases, while it also warned that severe cases commonly occur in children.
The NCDC said, “Monkeypox is usually self limiting, with the symptoms lasting between two and three weeks. This means that most patients will recover with proper care. Severe cases are common among children.
“Symptoms include fever, body pain, weaknesses, sore throat and rashes on the face, palms, soles of feet and other parts of the body. Early reporting save lives.
“We urge anyone who has fluid filled body rashes (vesicular rash), enlargement of glands and other symptoms of monkeypox, to report to any nearby public health facility for proper diagnosis and care.
“Any health care worker that suspects a case of monkeypox should reach out to their Local Government Area Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers or the state Ministry of Health (Epidemiology team) for appropriate guidance and action.”
RN
