By Chukwudi Nwauba :
Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said that the state is yet to record a confirmed case of Mpox.
Dr. Obidike said that recently the World Health Organisation declared Mpox to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEI)
“MPox, formerly called monkey pox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include a rash that forms blisters and then crusts over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
He said this while addressing newsmen in Awka.
“Some states that border Anambra, including Delta, Ebonyi, Abia have all recorded confirmed cases of the viral disease.”
According to the Commissioner all the suspected cases whose samples were taken have all returned negative.
He said the state has introduced its emergency response teams since inception which has helped in early detection of outbreaks and early intervention.
“There are also health informants and Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers in all the 326 wards which have been activated.
“We are ready and currently improving on all areas especially in the area of surveillance and has also notified the Public , Private hospitals to create holding areas for isolation of suspected cases of Mpox.
“The treatment is supportive and the state is also determined to improve in the treatment,” he said.
Obidike explained that his ministry has intensified risks communication through mass sensitization methods to educate the people on how to prevent and identify one suffering from the disease.
“We are saying that when one has the full manifestation of this disease which include rashes, fever or felling of unwellness, they should report to government-owned hospitals so that samples will be collected and sent to laboratory.
“Our people are also advised to embrace personal hygiene, ensuring prompt reporting of cases, and healthcare personnel taking the required precaution after attending to patients.
“During COVID-19, our people used personal hygiene practices such as hand washing, covering of their noses with masks, did the magic and we are imploring our people to uphold such now to stay safe from Mpox.”
*Nwauba is of the State Ministry of Information, Anambra State.