ADVERTISEMENT

Akwa Ibom govt urges residents not to panic over outbreak

Health commissioner in Akwa Ibom said that information on suspected monkey pox was first reported in the state on October 5, in one of the general hospitals.

According to the government, there is no confirmed case in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Dominic Ukpong gave the advice at a news conference in Uyo on Monday.

Ukpong said that information on suspected monkey pox was first reported in the state on October 5, in one of the general hospitals.

ADVERTISEMENT

“On Oct. 5, 2017, we got information of a suspected case in a general hospital and immediately visited the patient, who was already in proper isolation.

“On the same date, we also received information about a female petty trader who had suspicious rashes and reached out to her and found her and her two children with similar rashes.

“We quarantined her with her kids in her home while we continue to visit, monitor and trace her contacts.

“No definitive diagnosis of the virus in the state and therefore there is no confirmation of the spread of the disease only suspected cases.

“It is only in Senegal that there is equipment to confirm the disease, so samples of all suspected cases have been sent for confirmation,” Ukpong said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Commissioner for Health, who was with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said that the state government had taken precautionary measures to check any outbreak.

He said that the state government had also reactivated the Infectious Disease Emergency Rapid Response Team to monitor health facilities across the state.

According to him, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Ikot Ekpene-Infectious Disease Hospital has been restructured to take care of any suspected case.

He said that the state government had trained about 25 doctors and 75 nurses to respond to any emergency situation in the state.

“All health facilities and workers therein have been notified to be on alert and exercise high index of suspicion.”

ADVERTISEMENT

He urged residents of the state be calm and report any symptom of fever to the nearest heath facility for medical attention instead of self medication.

The commissioner stressed the need for residents to observe personal hygiene, avoid handshake and wash their hands regularly.

He advised medical personnel to observe and practice universal precautions by wearing their mask, hand gloves and coat while handling all patients.

Ukpong, however, maintained that monkey pox was a mild disease that could be handled as it rarely causes death.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Sanwo-Olu opens 'Sunday market' on Good Friday for Easter shopping

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Wike thanks Tinubu for the opportunity to serve

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Barrister Bida pens special birthday prayer for President Tinubu, Nigerians

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Tinubu’s aide distributes food items to 1,750 persons in FCT, Kwara

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Court grants senator accused of forging NYSC certificate ₦50m bail

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Delta monarch declared wanted by military surrenders to police

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Renowned Canada-based Nigerian playwright, Oguntokun is dead

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT