Monkey Pox Outbreak: UNILAG Medical Center Advises Its Community On Safety

By Charles Maduka

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Medical Centre has advised all members of the university community to adhere to health guidelines to ensure their safety and well-being amid the recent outbreak of Monkey Pox in parts of Africa and Nigeria.

The advisory, which was issued on Friday, Aug 23, informs the university community of the cause of the Monkey Pox disease, its mode of transmission, symptoms, and measures to take to keep safe. “

Monkey Pox is caused by a virus (related to Smallpox),” the advisory stated. The virus spreads through direct contact with infected animals or humans. It can be transmitted via respiratory droplets, body fluids, or contaminated materials.

According to the statement, the symptoms of Monkey Pox include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, eventually forming scabs.

To protect oneself from the virus, the University of Lagos Medical Centre advises avoiding close contact with individuals who have Monkey Pox-like rashes and practicing proper personal hygiene through regular handwashing and use of hand sanitizers.

For those caring for ill persons, the advisory strongly recommended wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). It added that it is important not to share personal items such as clothing, towels, or sleeping beside someone who has Monkey Pox.

The center implores members of the university community to seek medical attention at its facility or the nearest health facility as soon as symptoms appear. It also recommended self-isolation and self-reporting of symptoms to the centre through the provided helplines.

For assistance and more information, the University of Lagos Medical Centre can be reached at the following numbers: 0809 393 3356 and 0805 426 9110.