NCDC alerts Nigerians on monkeypox, says no specific treatment

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox infection, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has announced.

In a statement on its website, NCDC advised Nigerians to take preventive measures to protect themselves against the virus.

It read, “There are no specific treatments available for monkeypox infection, although various novel antiviral have in-vitro and animal data supportive effects such as Brincindofocir and Tecovirimat.

“Measures that can be taken to prevent infection with monkeypox virus include: avoiding contact with animals that could harbour the virus, both sick or dead animals in areas where monkeypox cases have occurred; avoiding contact with any material that has been in contact with a sick animal; thoroughly cooking any animal that might have come into contact with an infected animal; handling them with standard precautions and observing monkeypox symptoms for 30 days and washing with soap and water after contact with infected animals.”

Meanwhile, on Monday, the NCDC and partners conducted a risk assessment to evaluate the current national and global epidemiological reports of monkeypox.

It said, “We continue to work with other MDAs & partners to ramp up preparedness, surveillance & response activities across the 36 + 1 States.”

Issuing a word of encouragement, NCDC Director-General, Ifedayo Adetifa tweeted, “The work is never done, pathogens never rest – and why should they, it’s a matter of survival for them too? We #KeepPushing #Onwardsandupwards.”