Kwara State has recorded its first case of monkeypox.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Raji Razaq made the confirmation in a statement.

Dr Razaq said the first case involves a 29-year-old Nigerian driver who resides in Gbugbu in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State and had in the last two weeks showed symptoms of fever, generalised rash, and weakness.

He explained that the patient’s wife and four neighbours who have shown similar symptoms have also been placed under surveillance. 

Dr Razaq however stated that the patient is improving and stable in the ward.

According to the Commissioner for Health, the State Ministry of Health launched a surveillance and response team since the index case was reported in the country in March, this year and with the first case recorded in the State, the team has stepped up its surveillance with contact tracing at health facilities and communities.

He affirmed that health workers are undergoing training to strengthen response system while appropriate agencies, such as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, have been briefed on the development.

Dr Razaq also said that sensitization campaign on the disease and its symptoms would be intensified in the coming weeks to prevent an outbreak.

The Kwara State Commissioner for Health advised members of the public to take their personal hygiene seriously and keep their environment clean and tidy to keep the disease away.