Residents of Nasarawa state are in an apprehensive mood following report that a suspected case of monkeypox has been recorded in the state.
Monkeypox victim
Dr Danail Iya, Nasarawa State Commissioner for Health said on Friday that only one suspected case of monkeypox had been recorded in the state.
The commissioner made this known while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lafia.
Iya said that the blood sample of the suspect had been sent to the Central Public Laboratory in Yaba, Lagos, adding that the state government was waiting for the result.
He said that the state government had step up efforts to educate the public on ways to prevent the disease.
According to him, the ministry has partnered with traditional and religious leaders to educate people, mostly rural areas, because they are more likely to have contacts with monkeys.
The commissioner urged members of the public to report any strange illness to the nearest medical facility for prompt action.
“We will equip the Dalhatu Araf Specialist, Lafia and the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi with drugs and other facilities to tackle any case of monkeypox,” he said.
-NAN