The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has urged healthcare workers to adhere strictly to Infection Prevention and Control measures when handling Mpox cases to prevent further spread.
The Director General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, stated that it was important for frontline workers to prioritise their safety while providing care for patients.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja, he said, “Protect yourself while caring for Mpox patients. Your safety is just as important as your patients.”
Mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, and respiratory droplets.
Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and a rash that progresses to painful lesions.
The World Health Organisation declared Mpox a global public health emergency in August for the second consecutive year.
This declaration followed the spread of a new variant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to neighbouring countries.
Speaking further, Idris urged hospitals and clinics to reinforce IPC measures to protect healthcare workers and patients.
He outlined several key safety precautions for healthcare workers, including wearing gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns while handling patients.
“Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers. Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and use barrier nursing techniques. Properly disinfect hospital surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination,” the NCDC boss said.
He also urged healthcare workers to identify suspected cases early and ensure proper isolation to curb further transmission,
Idris assured Nigerians that the NCDC is monitoring the Mpox situation and remains committed to providing regular updates and technical support to health facilities.
He urged healthcare workers to stay vigilant, report suspected cases promptly, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of Mpox.
The former Lagos State Commissioner for Health called on the general public to stay informed, avoid close contact with infected individuals and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.
As part of its ongoing response, the NCDC DG said that the agency had been working with state health authorities, training healthcare workers, and strengthening laboratory capacity for Mpox diagnosis.
Idris reiterated that preventing the spread of Mpox required a collective effort from healthcare workers and the public, encouraging Nigerians to remain cautious, follow public health guidelines, and support efforts to contain the virus.
He advised healthcare workers and the public to visit the NCDC’s official website or follow its verified social media handles for more information and updates.
NAN
