Recently, cases of monkeypox virus have been reported in many countries of Europe.
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu:
Claiming that no case of monkeypox has been reported in Tamil Nadu, Minister Ma Subramaniam on Tuesday appealed to the people not to panic over the viral zoonotic disease.
The Medical and Family Welfare Minister said the government has advised health department officials to increase surveillance at airports and directed hospitals to inform the government if anyone is suspected of having symptoms of the virus.
“Monkeypox disease is spreading in different countries like USA, England, Europe, Canada, Australia. No death is reported due to the virus. We have directed officials to increase surveillance at all airports, including screening of passengers African countries,” Mr. Subramanian told reporters after inspecting the facilities at the District Government Hospital here.
Mr Subramaniam said the health department advised both private and government hospitals to inform the district health director about the patients who show symptoms of the virus.
“People need not panic about the viral disease,” he said.
He said the public is advised to avoid contact with animals and to isolate for three weeks if they show symptoms of the virus.
He added that following hygiene practices like keeping hands clean also helps in containing the spread of the virus.
On Monday, Principal Secretary of Health Department J Radhakrishnan directed district collectors and commissioners of corporations to monitor and identify suspected cases of monkeypox and isolate them in health facilities for proper treatment.
In a message to collectors, he said people who have traveled in the last 21 days to a country where recently confirmed or suspected cases of monkeypox have been detected should be monitored.