The Osun State Government has officially confirmed two cases of monkeypox, now known as M-pox, within its borders.
Jola Akintola, the state Commissioner for Health, disclosed this information during a meeting of the Monkeypox Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Osogbo on Monday.
The confirmed cases were identified in the Ilesa West Local Government Area.
State Epidemiologist Omolola Adeagbo provided more details, stating, “A total of 47 suspected cases were recorded from EPI Week 1 to Week 34 across 13 local government areas (LGAs). All 47 samples were sent to the laboratory, with two confirmed cases, both involving male patients aged five and 25 from Ilesa West.”
In response to these cases, the state government has swiftly implemented several measures, including: Deploying Rapid Response Team (RRT) members, Conducting advocacy and sensitization efforts in affected areas, Initiating active case searches in the community and local health facilities
Akintola emphasized that the situation is under control, stating, “We successfully managed COVID-19 and prevented a cholera outbreak. Now, with two confirmed M-pox cases, the EOC has been activated, and stakeholders will meet every Monday to strategize on preventing the spread of the virus.”
He further contextualized Osun’s situation, noting that during a recent visit to Abuja, discussions with the State Epidemiologist revealed that Osun has only seen two cases in the last 34 weeks, compared to hundreds in other states.
To bolster public awareness, the state government has launched an information campaign across five radio stations.
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Akintola reassured the public, “There is no cause for alarm. Our officers are fully prepared, and just as we prevent cholera, we will also prevent the spread of M-pox.”
International health organizations have commended the state’s proactive approach. Ojediran Oluwatoyin, the state coordinator for the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Israel Solomon, the state coordinator for UNICEF, praised the government’s efforts, advising continued sensitization across all local government areas and strengthened surveillance and community engagement.
They noted that while there is currently no vaccine for M-pox in the country, preventive measures remain crucial.
