Abia State Government has confirmed its first case of Monkey pox in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who confirmed this during a press briefing on the outcome of the state Executive Council meeting, Monday in Umuahia, said the confirmed case happened around Isiala Ngwa.
Kanu stated that out of the 13 recorded in the state, only one tested positive, nine tested negative, while two were awaiting classification.
He, however, said that there was no casualty yet. He advised residents to maintain personal hygiene and keep social distancing. He said that a treatment centre had already been set up by the State Government at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH, Aba.
Adding her voice, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Dr Agozi Azodo, said
“Regular personal hygiene is the best way to protect protect oneself” from contracting the viral disease.
She also advised residents especially farmers to minimize contact with animals.
The former Director, Federal Ministry of Health, said the State Government was ready to deal with the possible outbreak of the disease, and asked residents to promptly report any suspected case.
The SA disclosed that the State Government had concluded arrangements to renovate and retrofit 200 primary health centres across the state in 100 days. The project according to her will commence in the first week of September and delivered before December.