Anambra State is yet to record a confirmed case of Mpox, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike said on Thursday.
Mpox, formerly called monkeypox, which has been declared a global health challenge, 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.
Some states that are neighbors with Anambra, including Ebonyi and Abia have all recorded confirmed cases of the viral disease.
But in an exclusive chat with TNC correspondent in Awka, the Health Commissioner, Dr Obidike said 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 that have been activated.
“The state is ready and is improving on all areas, especially in the area of surveillance and has also notified the hospitals to create holding areas for isolation of cases suspected.
“The treatment is supportive and the state is also determined to improve in the treatment,” he said.
Obidike revealed that the government has intensified risk communication through mass sensitization methods to educate people about the disease.
“We are saying that when one has the full manifestation of this disease which includes rashes, fever, or feeling of unwellness, they should report to government-owned hospitals so that samples will be collected and sent to the 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, our people used personal hygiene practices such as handwashing, covering of their noses with masks, did the magic and we are imploring our people to uphold such now to stay safe from Mpox,” he said.
