From Tony John, Port Harcourt
It seems to be double trouble for Okujagu-Ama community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
At a time when the state government is making efforts to contain any outbreak of monkey pox, which has affected some states in the Niger Delta, no less than 15 people are said to be affected in an outbreak of chicken pox in the community.
Chairman, Caretaker Committee of Okrika Council, Lawrence Alabala, who spoke through the Supervisor for Health and Sanitation, Aduko Dere, after a visit to the community, said those affected were being treated and called on the people not to panic as efforts were being made to ensure the disease does not spread.
A cross-section of the community, who fear outbreak of an epidemic, saidchickenpox broke out about two months ago. They called on the state government to come to their aid through the provision of potable water and medicine.
Meanwhile, management of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), said it has put facilities in place to treat any case of monkey pox outbreak in the state.
Chief Medical Director, Prof. Aaron Ojule said this during a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, although the hospital has not recorded any confirmed case of monkey pox disease, several cases with similarities to the monkey pox virus had been successfully treated.
He advised residents to maintain good hygiene and report cases of unusual rashes on their bodies to qualified medical personnel for prompt action.
