Port Harcourt, August 21, 2024* — The Rivers State government has confirmed two cases of Mpox within its jurisdiction, prompting swift action to curb the spread of the potentially deadly virus. The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
Dr. Oreh revealed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had recently reported 39 confirmed cases of Mpox nationwide, with Rivers State accounting for two of those cases. In response, the state has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to ensure rapid and effective management of any arising situations.
“The state government is fully committed to addressing this health challenge. We have mobilized our resources and initiated an incident management plan specifically for Mpox,” Dr. Oreh stated. She also highlighted the deployment of medical teams across various healthcare facilities, including general and specialist hospitals, to manage the situation at the ground level.
To strengthen the state’s response, Dr. Oreh announced that the Ministry of Health has recruited and trained additional staff to assist in managing the outbreak. These ad hoc teams are now prepared to respond effectively at all levels of healthcare.
“The ad hoc staff have been thoroughly trained and are now equipped to manage this infection across the state. This is part of our comprehensive strategy to contain and prevent the further spread of Mpox,” she explained.
Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus. It is primarily transmitted through direct contact between individuals, but it can also spread through contaminated objects and surfaces. The virus poses a significant public health risk, making swift action essential.
The Commissioner urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to all health guidelines to reduce the risk of transmission. She reassured citizens that the state government is doing everything possible to manage the situation and prevent an escalation.
In addition to mobilizing resources, Dr. Oreh noted that the state government is working closely with the NCDC and other relevant bodies to monitor and respond to any new cases. “We are collaborating with the NCDC to ensure that we have the most up-to-date information and can respond quickly to any developments,” she said.
This announcement has heightened awareness across the state, with health officials emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment. Public health campaigns are expected to be intensified in the coming days to educate the public about Mpox, its symptoms, and preventive measures.
Dr. Oreh also called on residents to report any suspicious symptoms immediately to the nearest healthcare facility. “Early reporting can make a significant difference in controlling the spread of this virus. We encourage everyone to be proactive about their health and the health of those around them,” she advised.
As Rivers State continues to grapple with these confirmed cases, the government’s proactive measures signal a robust response aimed at safeguarding public health. The state’s healthcare system is on high alert, with all necessary protocols in place to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading further.
Residents are urged to stay informed and comply with public health directives as the situation evolves. The state government remains committed to transparency and will provide regular updates as more information becomes available.
For now, the focus remains on managing the current cases and preventing new ones, with the hope that these efforts will soon bring the situation under control.
