Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government has confirmed three cases of monkey-pox in the state, adding that five samples are currently under investigation.
The contact cases have, however, according to Government sources been treated and discharged from the hospital.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji, who confirmed this while speaking with Ikengaonline on Thursday, however, said the situation was under control.
He identified Aba North, Ikwuano and Umuahia South Local Government Areas as the LGAs where the cases were reported.
The Commissioner said that Government was leaving nothing to chance in its spirited efforts to put the disease under check.
He explained that the patients had been followed up and contact tracing done on them.
The Commissioner told our Correspondent that five samples had been taken to the reference laboratory in Abuja for investigation, and that the results of the investigation are being awaited.
Dr Osuji, however, urged residents not to panic but tasked them on environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene.
“If you see any person with any kind of rashes around you, try to isolate yourself from the person. You should also ask the person to report to the hospital for investigation and treatment.”
The Chief Epidemiologist of the state, Lady Peace Nwogugu, also confirmed that the cases had recovered rapidly.
She said that Government had activated all necessary response activities, but urged residents to strictly adhere to the stipulated guidelines and public health directory to prevent and control the spread of the epidemic.
Mrs Nwogugu particularly advised residents against body contacts with infected or suspected persons.
She also encouraged residents to maintain social distancing, regular washing of hands, and avoid unnecessary travels.
Symptoms of monkey-pox according to her, include high fever and rashes.
According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, the country has 133 confirmed cases of monkey-pox since January 2022.
Abia is the first state in the South-East geo-political zone to formerly admit recording any case of monkey-pox.
