JUST IN: Osun Records Two New Cases Of Mpox, Issues Directive To Residents

Osun State Government has confirmed two cases of the viral monkey pox (Mpox) disease.

The two cases were recorded in Ilesa West local government area of the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Mr. Jola Akintola, w made the disclosure on Monday, urging residents not to panic, assuring the public that the government was actively managing the situation.

A statement by the Information Officer, Ministry of Health, Segilola Babalola, obtained in Osogbo, said the Commissioner spoke on the Mpox situation during a meeting of the Monkeypox Emergency Operations Center (EOC) pillar held in Osogbo.

Akinola said, “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.”

Also speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Akindele Adekunle, commended partners working with the state for their support, noting that the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, remain committed to sustaining the state’s proactive measures.

Giving further details about the Mpox, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Omolola Adeagbo, said 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.”

Adeagbo said actions taken to prevent spread included; “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.”