Monkeypox: No death reported yet, says NCDC boss

The Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, appealed to Nigerians to remain calm as his agency is working hard to control the outbreak of monkeypox in Bayelsa State.

Ihekweazu, who spoke in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, on Saturday in Abuja, assured Nigerians that the centre was taking all the required steps to manage the cases and prevent further spread.

"Monkeypox looks like an extreme case of chickenpox, but a little bit more severe and the disease seems a lot worse than it actually is. The virus circulate in a few more animals apart from monkeys like rats, squirrels and bushmeat, and the period of increased risk is at the point of killing, touching or cooking them. The people at risk are those who kill, touch or cook the animals; that is, those who come in contact with the animals without taking preventive or protective measures," he said.

UCJ, UNILORIN.