Monkeypox a viral disease similar to human smallpox is currently affecting populations in parts of Nigeria.
The illness which has no specific cure, is a zoonotic disease, passed on from wild animals to human.
The socioeconomic challenges presented by this outbreak are an example of how infectious diseases affect not only health but also the livelihood of affected families and communities.
Businesses associated with bushmeat in the affected regions have seen a drop in patronage as people refrain from consumption of wild meat to avoid contracting the disease. This has affected sources of income and livelihood for many within the affected communities. Socially, it has affected how people interact with each other for example communities in the affected areas have been urged to avoid hand shakes, which are a form of greeting, as this could allow spread of the virus.
The article presented on this link http://cerebrallemon.com/monkeypox-endemic-worsens-disease-reaches-rivers-akwa-ibom
shows a conserted effort between health personnel and the communities as they try to contain and prevent the spread of the disease.
Surveillance, awareness campaigns and willingness of communities to work together with health personnel will ensure success in fighting this outbreak.
For more information on Monkeypox virus http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs161/en/
