Mpox Outbreak: Bayelsa Government Assures Residents Of Unwavering Committed.

 

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Professor Seyeifa Brisibe, has expressed serious concern over the global rise in Mpox cases but reassured the public of the government's unwavering dedication to protecting the health and safety of all residents.

The state government also stated that all emergency preparedness measures have been fully activated to guarantee a coordinated and effective response to the Mpox outbreak adding that these includes the formation of rapid response teams and the mobilization of necessary resources across the state.

It also urged all residents to stay vigilant and adhere to the recommended preventive measures, such as regular hand washing, practicing safe sexual behaviors, and avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms of Mpox. 

According to a press statement on Friday by Professor Seyeifa Brisibe, it stated that the state this year alone has reported 83 suspected cases and confirmed 5 cases of Mpox from January to date, although according to him, no deaths have occurred. 

The statement stated that there is currently no active case, maintaining that in response to the global escalation and the local situation, the Bayelsa State Government was launching an urgent and comprehensive initiative to control the spread of the disease.

The statement reads:"The Bayelsa State Government has strategically set up a response framework to effectively manage the outbreak and to implement a multi-dimensional response strategy, focusing on surveillance, prevention, and community engagement."

It urged anyone experiencing symptoms like fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes to seek immediate medical attention adding that through these proactive measures, Bayelsa State was determined to swiftly control the Mpox outbreak and ensure the well-being of its citizens.

The statement continued:" The state has rolled out an intensive surveillance initiative aimed at rapidly identifying, isolating, and managing suspected Mpox cases"

"The government is conducting extensive training programmes for healthcare workers across the state. These trainings are designed to enhance their skills in diagnosing, treating, and preventing Mpox, thereby fortifying the frontline defence against the outbreak."

"A comprehensive public health campaign is being conducted across the state to educate residents about Mpox, its symptoms, transmission methods, and preventive measures."

"To safeguard healthcare workers and support the response efforts, the government is actively procuring and distributing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) throughout healthcare facilities in the state."

"Bayelsa State is collaborating with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health to fast-track the acquisition of Mpox vaccines, ensuring that the state is well-prepared once vaccines become available."

 "We are leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to combat Mpox.The health and safety of our citizens remain our top priority. Our Goal is to stop transmission, prevent new infection and ensure zero deaths in the event we have new cases.” The statement reads.

Recall that the fatalities have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other countries, making the World Health Organization (WHO), to officially designate Mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).