Abia Intensifies Surveillance On Monkeypox

Abia State Primary Health Development Agency (ASPHDA) has intensified surveillance on Monkeypox across the state, advising residents of the state to ensure adequate prevention against the virus.

The executive secretary of the agency, Dr Chinagozi Adindu stated this to LEADERSHIP yesterday in Umuahia, the state capital, while speaking on the outbreak of the disease in the state.

He said that the agency has trained and equipped its disease surveillance workers to monitor the communities to identify those who have been infected by the virus for treatment.

According to Adindu, who explained that the virus is in the same category with smallpox and chickenpox, its symptoms include rashes, severe headache and sore throat.

Noting that maintaining personal hygiene and avoiding body contact with anyone infected by the virus help to prevent the disease, the executive secretary advised them against self-medication.

About two weeks ago, the state commissioner for health, Dr Joe Osuji confirmed that three cases of the disease had been recorded in the state, saying the patients had been threated and discharged.

“If you see any person with any kind of rashes around you, try to isolate yourself from the person. You should also ask the person to report to a hospital for an investigation and treatment,” he added.