Papua New Guinea has in-country capacity for screening for monkeypox with confirmation off-shores says Deputy Controller for the National Pandemic Response for the Corona Virus (Covid-19), Dr Daoni Esorom.
PNG has received reagents through World Health Organization (WHO) support for in-country confirmatory testing with trial expected next week.
This is provide confirmatory capacity in country whilst Victorian Infectious Disease Refence Laboratory (VIDRL) will continue to provide confirmatory quality support moving forward, Dr Esorom said.
He said Papua New Guinea is at risk of monkeypox since we have opened international flights and people need to be vigilant and practice the Public Health Safety measures.
Dr Esorom cautioned that the WHO had declared the spread of the monkeypox as the “public health emergency of international concern” on Thursday 23 July. 2022 and the public needs to be self cautious of their health.
Meanwhile, preliminary investigations are going on for two suspected cases in Port Moresby. national Capital District of Friday.
He also urged people to be vigilant and practice public health safety measures to avoid contracting infectious diseases like moneypox and Covid-19 as well. He stated that we are still in the pandemic and all safety health practices must be followed to protect your health.
Monkeypox is caused by monkeypox virus, is usually a self limited disease with the symptoms lasting for 2 to 4 weeks. Severe cases can occur. In recent times, the case fatality ratio has been around 3-6%.
Monkeypox is spread to humans through close contact with an infected person or with material contaminated with the virus.
It is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplrts and contaminated materials such as bedding.
The monkeypox symptoms can include a fever, headache, running nose, muscles aches, low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rash with blisters.
People can reduce risk by limiting contact with people who have suspected or confirmed pf monkeypox and also regularly sanitize their hands.
.