LASG Activates Emergency Readiness, Flags Public Awareness as Mpox Spreads

On Tuesday, the Lagos State Government (LASG) activated an emergency readiness and public awareness campaign as the deadly Mpox virus spreads across Africa.

Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi at a news conference discloses there is no active case in the state.

He however shows high concern about a possible spread to Nigeria through the State

Abayomi noted that the Clade 1B variant, rapidly spreading across Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now reached neighbouring countries like Cameroon, Rwanda, and Burundi.

According to Abayomi, the extensive travel connections between Lagos and the countries where the virus is raging is the significant reason of utmost concern to LASG.

“This variant is distinct from the indigenous Clade 2 variant detected in West Africa”, he cautions.

“Although Lagos has no active cases at present, the risk posed by the more aggressive Clade 1B variant remains “, Abayomi observes.

He discloses also that the State is unveiling a series of public health initiatives to tackle the disease in the state.

One of the initiatives says Abayomi, is the engagement of stakeholders in discussions about the Mpox Clade 1B variant focusing on best global management practices.

“The second milestone is the activation of an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) specifically to monitor and address the Mpox outbreak.

“While the third milestone is the launch of a statewide public health awareness campaign aimed at educating residents about the risks associated with MPox and preventive measures they can take” Abayomi cautions.

He warns that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak in the DRC a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, highlighting the need for a coordinated global response.

Prof. Abayomi assures that Lagos State is taking proactive steps, drawing on its experience with past health crises like Ebola, COVID-19, cholera, and Lassa fever. 

He said these measures aim to prevent the introduction of the Clade 1B variant into the state as it could signal severe health and economic implications.

WHAT IS MPOX?

The Commissioner explained that Mpox, like smallpox and cowpox, is a zoonotic disease that initially spreads from animals to humans, particularly through rodents and monkeys. 

He said that Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact, with the Clade 1B variant showing a higher transmission rate, especially through sexual contact.

Although the commissioner assures the state has no any active Mpox cases but warns of the need to remain vigilant in preventing the potential importation of the aggressive variant.

So far, experts from WHO, UNICEF, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), LUTH, and LASUTH have been engaging health workers on case identification, handling and management protocols in preparedness for an outbreak.

“These experts discussed the risks posed by the Clade 1B variant to Lagos and the steps needed to create a biological shield against the virus. 

“The collective goal is to ensure that Lagos is fully prepared to manage any potential outbreak and minimize its impact,” says Prof. Abayomi.

LAGOS VULNERABILITY

Lagos State’s high population density and extensive travel links make it particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of contagious diseases.

“The activation of the EOC and the launch of the public awareness campaign are critical components of this strategy. 

As part of the proactive measures, a comprehensive public health awareness campaign is also being rolled out across the State. 

Notable symptoms of Mpox include fever, joint pain, body aches, and distinctive rashes. 

Abayomi Advises residents to report any suspicious symptoms to the nearest health facility for prompt evaluation.

The MPox vaccine option is also on standby and a team of local researchers will be guiding government policy on Mpox, Abayomi assures.

 These efforts aim to bolster the state’s preparedness for a possible outbreak and ensure a swift and effective response.

Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health in the State Ministry, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam enlightens on  the severity of the rashes by the variant.

He noted that those that appear in the genital area are more painful and pronounced than typical Mpox rashes.

Dr. Abdu-Salam emphasizes the critical need for early identification and containment of Mpox cases to prevent the spread of the Clade 1B variant within Lagos. 

“The state’s public health systems are on high alert, ready to act swiftly to protect residents from this virulent strain”, Abdu-Salam ‘.