By Jonathan Ugbal
Following the outbreak of the Monkey pox virus in states bordering Cross River, the government says it has put in place measures to ensure any eventuality is handled promptly.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong and the Director General of the state’s Primary Health Care Development Agency disclosed this to CrossRiverWatch in separate chats on Friday.
Both denied an outbreak of the virus in the state.
“No,” said Dr. Asibong when asked if there was an outbreak. “There is no recorded case of Monkey pox in Cross River State,” added Dr. Edu.
The duo said the state has intensified its disease surveillance measures to track cases suspected to be Monkey pox.
“The State Epidemiology department has been on border surveillance to prevent any influx along with all the border security agencies.
“There is also advocacy and sensitization campaigns going in communities through community leaders, town announcers, the new and traditional media are also involved,” Dr. Asibong said.
Over 70 percent of the about 4 million residents in the state are in the rural, border and hard to reach areas.
And, Dr. Edu said the state has begun sensitization on the virus to get these category of residents aware of it and how to handle it.
“The government of Cross River State has began rural and border area sensitization on how to prevent monkey pox as well as the signs and symptoms we should look out for.
“We have stepped up border surveillance, health security as well as vigilance at the bother communities,” she said.
Also, in the case of an outbreak, Dr. Asibong said the state has put measures in place.
“The State has available a quarantine unit to manage any eventuality or outbreaks,” she said.
The state had earlier, in a sponsored statement disclosed facts about the virus.