Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, proudly declared on Wednesday that Ogun State has not recorded a single confirmed case of Mpox across its twenty local government areas
What They Are saying
As of August 18, the state reported a whopping 151 suspected cases of Mpox. Yet, according to Dr. Coker, not a single one has been confirmed. This claim was made in a statement released in Abeokuta, the state capital, where the Commissioner emphasized the state’s “high level of surveillance” since the global Mpox outbreak in 2022.
“Mpox is a disease of public health importance, and the World Health Organisation has declared outbreaks of a more virulent strain in some countries. Some states in Nigeria have also reported outbreaks of Mpox,” she asserted. Apparently, the Ogun State Ministry of Health has been on high alert, instituting “appropriate measures” to prevent, detect, and respond to this looming threat.
While the state hasn’t confirmed any cases of Mpox, it has reported 53 cases of chickenpox. So, while it seems Ogun State has managed to dodge the Mpox bullet, it’s still grappling with chickenpox. “We are aware of the chickenpox cases in the state, and the necessary measures are already in place,” Dr. Coker noted, presumably without a hint of irony.
Why It Matters
To keep the public calm, ongoing awareness campaigns about Mpox, chickenpox, and other diseases have been rolled out through various channels. “There is no need to panic,” Coker said, reassuringly, because, of course, why would you panic about a state full of suspected cases?
For those not up to speed, Mpox symptoms include rashes containing pus or fluid, headaches, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and weakness. Dr. Coker urged residents to avoid close contact with anyone showing these symptoms and to practice good hygiene. That means washing hands regularly, wearing protective gear when caring for someone who might have Mpox, and avoiding contact with animals that could be carrying the virus. Oh, and make sure your meat is thoroughly cooked, because apparently, that’s another way to keep Mpox faraway.
In a final note of advice, Dr. Coker called on residents to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility. Because in Ogun State, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when your track record on confirmed cases is zero.
So, while the Mpox panic button may not need pressing just yet in Ogun State, it seems the local health department is ready to spring into action at the first sign of trouble. Keep washing those hands, my dear Ogun residents.
