Osun State Government on Monday confirmed the outbreak of monkeypox (Mpox) in Ilesa-West local government area of the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola who made the confirmation, in a statement in the Ministry of Information bulletin, also urged residents of Ilesa and the State not to panic, as the state is managing the situation effectively.
He added that the State Government has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), to curtail the spread of the disease.
His words, “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.”
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Omolola Adeagbo, who provided a situation report on M-pox revealed that a total of 47 suspected cases were recorded from EPI Week 1 to Week 34 across 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). All 47 samples were sent to the laboratory, with two confirmed cases, both involving male patients aged 5 and 25 from Ilesa West.
Dr. Adeagbo also outlined the actions taken, including the deployment of Rapid Response Team (RRT) members to the field, advocacy and sensitization efforts in the Ogbon Alafia community and at the index case’s residence, as well as community active case search and retroactive health facility search. The confirmed cases have been linked to the state hospital in Ilesa West.
“A total of 47 suspected cases were recorded from EPI Week 1 to Week 34 across 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs). All 47 samples were sent to the laboratory, with two confirmed cases, both involving male patients aged 5 and 25 from Ilesa West.”
