By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Federal Government has dismissed as fake and sinister the report that the outbreak of Monkey Pox in some parts of the country resulted from the alleged free medical care by the government in the affected areas.
Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed while debunking the accusation. called on Nigerians to disregard the report which, apparently, is being spread by some unscrupulous persons to fit into a sinister agenda.
He disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Mr Segun Adeyemi. and made available to newsmen.
According to him, “The Federal Government has not conducted any free medical service or care in either Bayelsa or Rivers State, as alleged in the fake report being circulated.
“So, that could not have been the cause of the outbreak of Monkey Pox in both states.
“Monkey Pox is a virus found only in monkeys and it is rare in human beings. It belongs to the same family as Chicken Pox and Smallpox.
“It is suspected that someone may have contacted it by eating monkey meat, thus triggering the current outbreak,” the Minister said.
He assured that no effort would be spared in curtailing the spread of the disease.(Sun)