Bauchi Govt Confirms Outbreak Of Monkey Pox

The Bauchi State government has confirmed a reported case of monkeypox as well as two other suspected cases that are currently being investigated.

Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA) Dr Rilwanu Mohammed while interacting with reporters in Bauchi yester, said, “Yes, there is an outbreak of monkeypox in Bauchi, one person has been diagnosed with the disease while two others are still under close observation, therefore, they are suspects of the disease for now. The victim is not from Bauchi State, he came from Adamawa State, he is presently receiving medical management at one of the facilities. We will not allow him to go until we are satisfied with his condition. Unlike Cholera where you have to wait for about 15 cases before you declare an outbreak, with just one confirmed case, you can declare an outbreak of monkeypox”.

He however assured that his agency in collaboration with others concerned were working round the clock to ensure that the disease does not spread.

“Our surveillance has been reinvigorated to ensure that suspected cases are immediately dealt with. Bauchi State is a gateway to the North-East sub-region, we are therefore at alert to ensure that no suspected case of monkeypox goes unnoticed,” he said as he appealed to the people to immediately report to the nearest health facility any symptom of the disease for effective medical management.