NCDC Speaks On Monkeypox Cure, Preventive Measures
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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has opened up on monkeypox cure and preventive measures.
It says that there is no specific cure for the monkeypox infection. It, however, noted that the only solution to the virus would be a vaccine and there isn’t any yet.
They also urged Nigerians to observe preventive measures against the infection.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said in a statement released on Monday that there are no specific treatments available for the monkeypox infection.
It read:
“There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection, although various novel antiviral have in-vitro and animal data supportive effects such as Brincindofocir and Tecovirimat.
“Measures that can be taken to prevent infection with monkeypox virus include: avoiding contact with animals that could harbour the virus, both sick or dead animals in areas where monkeypox cases have occurred; avoiding contact with any material that has been in contact with a sick animal; thoroughly cooking any animal that might have come into contact with an infected animal; handling them with standard precautions and observing monkeypox symptoms for 30 days and washing with soap and water after contact with infected animals.”
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Monkeypox is an animal to the human transmission caused by the monkeypox virus. This virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae.
According to the World Health Organization, the disease which is endemic to some Central and West African countries has surfaced in some parts of Europe.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
The symptoms include:
Symptoms
Headache.
Body pain.
Fever.
Malaise.
Sore throat.
Fluid-filled body rashes (vesicular rash).
Enlarged lymphadenopathy glands.
The NCDC also urged Nigerians to take certain measures to prevent contracting the disease.
The preventive measures recommended by health experts include:
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Okorunnimbe Mamora said the NCDC is working to reduce the spread of the disease.
His words:
“The NCDC is on it. The centre is doing all it takes in terms of surveillance, and response and it is also putting in place certain measures to mitigate the spread.
“Just like we have the Lassa fever, the monkeypox is endemic to Nigeria but we have our agencies like the NCDC when it comes to response and I can assure you that they are totally on it.”
In Nigeria, the NCDC confirmed 15 cases out of 46 suspected cases.
Other countries affected by the monkeypox are:
Meanwhile, a virologist at the University of Maiduguri, Prof Marycelin Baba told Nigerians to adhere to preventive measures.
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In a chat with HealthWise, Baba noted that Nigeria lacks sufficient diagnostic kits for viral infection.
Baba said, “Monkeypox is said to be a mutation from smallpox. There was no treatment for smallpox during its time. The only breakthrough was when the smallpox vaccine was introduced. This means that if you were lucky to get vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine during your time, you can be a bit safe.
“Unfortunately, most people were not born during the time the world suffered from the smallpox pandemic. Smallpox was eradicated many decades ago.
“One of the problems we have in Nigeria for instance is the absence of sufficient diagnostic kits for viral diseases. If you cannot even diagnose, how do you want to treat the problem? I am not too sure if we still have smallpox vaccines anymore in the world but as it stands, the only solution right now is a vaccine. Without vaccines, I am sorry we are not going to reach anywhere.”
Source: PUNCH HealthWise
