Osun Govt refutes claims of new M-pox cases

The Director of Public Health in Osun, Dr. Akeem Bello, has addressed recent concerns about new monkeypox (M-pox) cases in Ilesa, Osun. In a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday from Osogbo, Bello clarified that only two cases of the disease have been reported this year: one in March and the latest in the last week of August.

Bello confirmed that the most recent case was in Ilesa, and immediate contact tracing was carried out to assess potential spread. He noted that the patient from August was stable and reassured that the state government had activated an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) for M-pox.

The EOC is currently focused on improving the capacity of health staff through ongoing training. Weekly meetings are being held to review the situation, and the government is keeping close track of developments. Surveillance activities have been ramped up, and research efforts are underway.

Bello advised residents to maintain good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of the disease. He also mentioned that while the M-pox vaccine is not yet available in Nigeria, the government has promised to provide it as soon as it becomes accessible.

Bello assured the public that the situation is under control and there is no reason for alarm.

In a related development, Osun’s Commissioner for Health, Mr. Jola Akintola, convened a meeting of the Monkeypox Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the Ministry of Health in Osogbo. Akintola urged residents to remain calm and assured them of the state’s active management of the situation.

He emphasised that M-pox is a preventable disease and praised Governor Ademola Adeleke for his proactive approach and commitment to public health.