The Commissioner for Health, Ahmed Yahaya, at a press briefing in Lafia, yesterday, said the disease was first recorded on May 21 in Lafia and spread to other local councils.
Yahaya explained that monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus and could last for two to four weeks, characterised by fever, headache, muscles, pains, shivering, swollen lymph and rashes forming blisters.
According to him, the disease is severe among children, pregnant women and immune-suppressed persons.
Yahaya revealed that the disease could be contracted through direct contact, contact with infected surfaces, mother-to-child transmission and contact with infected animals, including pets.
The commissioner stated that the six patients had been treated.
The ministry cautioned citizens to observe all safety precautions and report any person suspected to be with symptoms to the nearest health facility in the state.
