The National Biosafety Management Agency in Nigeria NBMA, has called on the Nigerian public to take proactive measures to help prevent and curb the spread of the monkeypox virus in the country.
The Director-General of NBMA, Dr. Rufus Ebegba disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Dr Ebegba noted that it was important to adhere strictly to public health safety measures and report likely cases or signs and symptoms of the disease as this would help the government to take drastic steps to stop the further infection and spread of the disease.
“It is very important that Nigerians should be aware of the health risk monkeypox poses and take caution by adhering to safety measures.” Dr Ebegba explained.
The NBMA boss added that the Agency is also working with other sister Ministries and Agencies to ensure that biosecurity measures are taken to contain the virus.
The symptoms of monkeypox include sudden fever, headache, weakness of the body which can come with body pains, sore throat, and enlargement of glands under the jaw and in the neck.
It can also come with the appearance of a rash on the face, palms, soles of the feet, genitals and other parts of the body which can appear solid or fluid-filled at the onset and can manifest within 2-3 weeks depending on the health status of such an individual.
Dominica Nwabufo
