In its efforts to curb the spread of monkeypox disease, the Bayelsa State Government has intensified its efforts in the area of public enlightenment and civic engagement.
The government called on residents of the state to report all suspected cases of the disease by using some hotlines to get rapid response.
The lines are 08066987752 and 08035474676.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, also said the spirited sensitisation campaign mounted by his ministry on radio with translations in all the local dialects in the state would be sustained.
According to him, the government had commenced sensitisation campaign and advocacy visits to communities in the state on the need to reassure the indigenes of government’s intervention and activities in curbing further spread of the disease.
While giving an update of the situation, he disclosed that the government had curbed further spread of the disease.
He added that out of the number of those affected and quarantined at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH) Okolobiri, many were already showing signs of recovery.
Iworiso-Markson explained that two of the index cases and the doctor affected by the disease had since fully recovered and discharged.
He expressed joy that so far no death had been recorded.
He said, “To further allay the fears and reassure Bayelsans of government’s efforts in curbing the disease, let me make it clear that we are on top of the situation.
“However it is important for people to take note of the fact that prevention is better than cure.
“Hence, they are required to always wash their hands, avoid monkeys, bush meat and dead animals as well as be on the lookout for symptoms which often manifest rashes and an intense weakness of the body, severe pains, among other things.”