The Monkey Pox epidemic, first detected in Bayelsa state, appears to have spread to neighbouring south-south states as there have been confirmed cases of the epidemic in Akwa Ibom and Rivers state. One confirmed case has been recorded in the state, while two other suspected cases are under investigation.

The Federal Ministry of Health has advised Nigerians to avoid from eating monkeys, bush meat and dead animals as doing so could make one susceptible to the Monkeypox Disease. The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said this in a statement signed by the Director, Media and Public Relations at the ministry, Mrs. Boade Akinola, on Thursday.