NCDC activates monkeypox emergency centre

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says a national multisectoral emergency operations centre (EOC) for monkeypox has been activated in the  country.

Ifedayo Adetifa, NCDC director-general, disclosed this on Friday in an interview with NAN.

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not spread easily between people. It is usually a mild self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals.

The infection can be spread when someone is in close contact with an infected person, but there is a very low risk of transmission to the general population.

Several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Portugal and Spain, had recently reported cases of monkeypox with the World Health Organisation (WHO) saying it expects the number of cases to rise.

Adetifa said the move to activate the emergency centre followed a risk assessment conducted on monkeypox outbreaks in multiple countries.

The NCDC DG also said a national multisectoral multidisciplinary incident management system for monkeypox had been activated at level two (medium).

“You are aware that level one is watching mode; level two is alert mode while level three is emergency response mode. So, Nigeria is on level two at the moment,” he said.

The DG, added that the EOC would continue to monitor and coordinate efforts to reduce the risk of spread within and outside the country, while contributing to ensuring global outbreak preparedness and control.

He said anyone could be infected with or pass on monkeypox, “therefore, we must discourage stigmatisation”.

“If you are showing known symptoms of the disease, promptly contact the NCDC toll-free line 6232 for guidance on the steps to take,” he added.