The Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, announced on Wednesday that no cases of Mpox have been reported across the state’s 20 local government areas.
In a statement released to journalists in Abeokuta, she emphasized that the state has maintained rigorous surveillance since the global Mpox outbreak in 2022.
“Mpox is a significant public health concern, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported outbreaks of a more virulent strain in some countries. Additionally, certain states in Nigeria have also experienced Mpox outbreaks,” she noted.
Dr. Coker assured that the Ogun State Ministry of Health is fully aware of this public health threat and has implemented effective measures for its prevention, early detection, and response.
“The last recorded case of Mpox in Ogun State was in May 2023, and there have been no confirmed cases since then,” she stated.
“As of August 18, 2024, the state’s surveillance system has identified 151 suspected cases of Mpox, but none have been confirmed as Mpox. However, 53 cases tested positive for Chickenpox.
“We are aware of the Chickenpox cases in the state and have already taken the necessary precautions.
“Public sensitization on Mpox, Chickenpox, and other priority diseases is ongoing through established channels, so there is no cause for alarm,” she added.