Abia State: One Test Positive For Monkey Pox

Abia State Government has established a Treatment and Support Center at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), in response to the outbreak of Monkey Pox disease in Abia state.


The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the development, while briefing Journalists in Government House, on the outcome of this week's Exco meeting, presided over by the Governor of the state, Dr Alex Otti.


He said the state government may have to open additional treatment and support centers across the state, following the outbreak of a case of Monkey Pox.


Prince Kanu who disclosed that the state recorded only one case of the Monkey Pox disease out of the 13 initial suspected cases, within the Isialangwa Council Area of the state, noted that no fatalities have been recorded so far.


"A total of 13 suspected cases have been recorded. Out of this number, 9 tested negative, one tested positive and two cases are awaiting clarification. The good news is that there has been no fatality so far".


He stated that Monkey Pox is a viral infection and the state Ministry of Health, has opened a treatment support centre at ABSUTH, adding that as the cases break, more centres may be opened around the state." But we do not hope that there will be a further spread of the disease in the state", Price Kanu stated.


The Commissioner urged Abia residents and citizens alike to, "maintain good hygiene habits and observe social distancing in cases where people are suspected to have contracted the disease".


He stated that the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, has concluded plans to retrofit 200 existing primary Health Centers across the state within the next 100 days.


Kanu revealed that the project is slated to begin in the first week of September, with completion expected by December.


Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Ngozi Azodo, called on residents of the state to maintain good hygiene, observe social distancing and reduce contact with animals.


Dr Azodo pointed out that contrary to speculations, the state has only recorded two cases of Cholera, while various isolation centres are being strengthened to contain any suspected cases of the outbreak.