Bhubaneswar: A top official of the Odisha government’s Health Department has asked people to remain alert against monkeypox.
“Only 3-4 cases of monkeypox have been reported in India so far. No case has been reported in Odisha. So as per the advisory issued we need to remain alert,” said Director of Health Services (DHS) Dr Bijay Mohapatra.
Talking to reporters, Dr Mohapatra stated that anyone who develops symptoms of monkeypox should isolate himself/herself and report it to the Health Department.
“This is a viral fever. If anyone develops fever with swelling in the throat, skin eruptions, lesions on face and extremities which develop into pustules s/he should isolate himself/herself and inform us (nearest hospital or ASHA worker),” said Dr Mohapatra.
Speaking on the preparedness for the disease, he informed that all premier hospitals in the State have isolation beds where patients can get admitted, stay and avail treatment.
As many as 21 days of isolation, and keeping lesions fully covered are among the Central government’s guidelines for monkeypox patients in India.
