2 cases of disease reported in Lagos

The outbreak of

The Lagos State Government has revealed that two suspected cases of monkeypox have been recorded in private hospitals in the state.

At an emergency briefing by the state's commissioner for health, Dr.Jide Idris, the state government said no confirmation has been made of the two cases.

The commissioner also said both cases are currently being investigated after being reported with the Lagos State government giving its full attention to the cases.

He said, "Though no confirmed case has been recorded, there is need to sensitize members of the public and provide adequate information on measures for prevention and control of the disease in line with the policy of the State government.

"In the wake of this outbreak, the state government is reiterating the need for members of the public to observe and maintain a high standard of personal and environmental hygiene at all times as part of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread to the state.

"Also, health workers are advised to practice universal safety precautions in the management of suspected or confirmed cases, wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when attending to cases, wash hands after each contact with the patient or contaminated materials while surveillance system must be strengthened.

"The state government has mobilized the Disease Surveillance Officers in the 57 LGAs and LCDAs in the state, and health workers in both public and private health facilities have been placed on high alert.

"In case of any suspected case of Monkeypox, the Lagos State Ministry of Health should be notified through the following mobile lines: 08037170614, 09087106072."

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The news is coming after the Akwa Ibom health commissioner, Dominic Ukpong urged residents of the state to exercise patience and not panic over the recorded cases.

Ukpong also said that information on suspected monkey pox was first reported in the state on October 5, in one of the general hospitals.