The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has warned Nigerians that severe cases of monkeypox, currently being experienced in some countries, including Nigeria, are common in children.
The disease, which according to the World Health Organisation is endemic to West and Central African countries, has started to surface in European countries.
While NCDC noted that only 46 suspected cases had been reported with 15 confirmed so far, countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Portugal, Spain and Canada, among others reported cases of the disease.
The centre assured Nigerians of its capacity to effectively diagnose and respond to cases, while it also warned that severe cases commonly occur in children.
The NCDC, in a message posted on its Facebook page, stated, “Monkeypox is usually self-limiting, with the symptoms lasting between two and three weeks.
“This means that most patients will recover with proper care. Severe cases are common among children.
“Symptoms include fever, body pain, weaknesses, sore throat and rashes on face, palms, soles of feet and other parts of the body.