ADVERTISEMENT

10 important things you should know about outbreak

Monkeypox is currently ravaging Bayelsa. Here's all you need to know about what's going down in the South South State.

Here are 10 things you need to know about what’s going on:

1. Monkeypox is a 'zoonotic' virus. That means it comes from animals. It can be transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to humans.

2. It was first discovered in crab eating Monkeys in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1958 by a scientist called Preben von Magnus.

ADVERTISEMENT

3. Monkeypox was first discovered in humans in 1970.

4. Even though it’s called ‘Monkeypox’, most animals bear the virus.

Squirrels, rats, antelopes and some other rodents you can think of, are vectors of Monkeypox. Best to stay off ‘bush meat’ while you still can.

5. You get Monkeypox from an animal bite or from contact with an infected animal. Fluids and droppings from infected animals aren’t to be touched.

Secretions from dead animals are highly contagious as well. Fluids from infected persons are also contagious.

ADVERTISEMENT

Children and young adults are most susceptible to infection.

6.  The first index case of Monkeypox in Bayelsa came from Agbura in Yenagoa where someone who killed and ate a Monkey, immediately started developing the rashes.

7. The Bayelsa Health Commissioner says the State is working with the “Veterinary Unit of Ministry of Agriculture to increase surveillance at abattoirs where animals are slaughtered for human consumption.”

8. Symptoms of Monkeypox include swelling of lymph nodes, headache, fever and muscle pain. The rashes come soon after.

9. Monkeypox has a lower death rate than the Smallpox.  According to Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu who is the CEO of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),“in previous outbreaks, it has led to death in about one to 10 per cent of infected cases. Although there is no specific medicine to treat the disease, when intensive supportive care is provided, most patients recover fully”.

ADVERTISEMENT

10. So far, 11 cases of Monkeypox have been identified in Bayelsa while 32 persons are being monitored after contact tracing.

You are advised to always wash hands with soap and water at this time.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

BREAKING: Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT