STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Assam sounded Monkeypox alert and formed a committee comprising experts from NHM (National Health Mission), Assam and medical colleges.
The state has no Monkeypox outbreak, but the State Government has taken all precautionary measures following a directive from the Central Government.
Talking to the media, Health Minister Keshab Mahanta said, "We have no report of Monkeypox in Assam. However, we have taken all precautionary measures."
When The Sentinel contacted, NHM Assam Mission Director Dr MS Lakshmi Priya said, "Monkeypox is a viral infection like chickenpox. The Central Government had a video conference with us. After the video conference, we instructed all precautionary measures to the district authorities."
Dr Lakshmi Priya said, "So far, there is no report of Monkeypox in the state. If anyone suffers from chickenpox-like symptoms with rashes, the person should contact the nearest health institution. We will suspect such cases as Monkeypox if the persons concerned have contact with anyone coming from abroad. No one should panic. Self-limiting is important. We will inform the public later if we have anything to say."
When asked about air passengers, she said, "After the briefing by the Central Government, I have briefed the airport health officer on the measures to be taken in the detection of any symptomatic cases. We are on high alert."
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