The Abia State Government has confirmed a case of monkeypox in the state. During a press briefing following the state Executive Council meeting on Monday in Umuahia, Prince Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information, revealed that the confirmed case is located in the Isiala Ngwa area.
Out of a total of 13 suspected cases reported in the state, only one has tested positive for monkeypox. Nine of the cases have returned negative results, while the results for two cases are still pending. Despite the confirmed case, the Commissioner assured that there have been no fatalities reported so far.
In response to the confirmed case, the State Government has established a dedicated treatment center at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) in Aba. The facility is now equipped to handle monkeypox cases and provide necessary medical care.
Dr. Agozi Azodo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, emphasized the importance of personal hygiene in preventing the spread of the disease.
“Regular personal hygiene is the best way to protect oneself” from monkeypox, she stated. Dr. Azodo also advised residents, particularly farmers, to limit their contact with animals to reduce the risk of transmission.
To further strengthen the health infrastructure, the State Government has announced plans to renovate and upgrade 200 primary health centers across Abia State.
This project is set to begin in the first week of September and is expected to be completed by December. Dr. Azodo highlighted that this initiative is part of the broader efforts to transform and improve the health sector in the state.
