BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
The Branch Secretary of the Nigeria Red Cross, Delta State Chapter, Mr Charles Arinomor has confirmed seven cases of monkeypox across five local government areas in Delta State.
In an interview with The Pointer, Arinomor identified the affected local governments as Oshimili South, Oshimili North, Ughelli North, Warri South, and Isoko South.
According to Arinomor, suspected cases have also been reported in 15 other local government areas. However, he reassured the public
that medical authorities were actively monitoring these cases to prevent further spread.
Since monkeypox was declared a public health emergency, the Red Cross, in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), Red Crescent Societies, and the Norwegian Red Cross, has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign to curb the spread.
The efforts include radio and television broadcasts, roadshows, and community engagements with local leaders and stakeholders to raise awareness, particularly in
rural areas.
“We’re using every available means to spread the word, and expanding beyond the initial five
LGAs as suspected cases emergmone in other areas. We are also assisting in contact tracing alongside the Ministry of Health, which involves identifying individuals who have been in contact with infected persons, testing them, and monitoring their health to prevent further spread,” Arinomor said.
The branch secretary also disclosed that the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has received 10,000 doses of the monkeypox
vaccine, for onward distribution to high-risk states, while Delta State is expected to receive its allocation soon.
H e commended the state government for its proactive approach to handling the crisis,
emphasizing the government’s commitment to raising awareness and conducting lab tests across the state.
Arinomor urged the public to cooperate by following preventive measures, such as maintaining personal hygiene, wearing face
masks, and reporting suspected cases.
He advised residents exhibiting symptoms like rashes and fever to seek immediate medical attention at nearby health facilities for testing
and isolation if necessary.
