MonkeyPox hits Edo

     A suspected case of MonkeyPox disease has been discovered in Edo State. The patient is currently receiving treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

   Management of the hospital who disclosed this on Tuesday said samples have been taken for test and result was being awaited from the designated World Health Organization (WHO) accredited test center. Public Relations of the hospital, Mr. Uwaila Joshua, in a statement said the patient was responding to treatment and was undergoing further evaluations.

     Mr. Uwaila said the hospital’s Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof.Darlinton Obaseki, in preparation for a possible outbreak of MonkeyPox virus in the state equipped an isolated complex designed to give emergency treatment to patients affected with the disease.  According to the statement, “The good news is that the patient is recovering very fast and we presently do not have any reason to worry.

  

   “The UBTH in conjunction with the relevant agencies in the state government and local Government health authorities are working together and monitoring close contacts of this person and so far, no one has come down with the sickness.  “There is no need or cause for concern or worry and no danger posed to staff or patients of the hospital. The patient is in an isolated complex. The hospital is ready and prepared to contain any situation if there is need to. As at now, there is no cause for alarm”, it stated.