Monkey Pox: NOA harps on regular hand washing

Monkey Pox: NOA harps on regular hand washing NAN-HG-11
Hand washing
By Martha Agas
Jos, Oct. 20, 2017 (NAN) Mr Bulus Dabit, Plateau Director, National Orientation Agency, has called on Nigerians to embrace constant hand washing in homes and public places to promote healthy living among the populace.
Dabit made the call in Jos on Friday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The director said that the call became pertinent in view of the outbreak of monkey pox in Bayelsa and its spread to parts of the country.
“We urge a change of attitude through a quick return to the habit of hand-washing for protection against infectious diseases that could undermine personal and public health.
“This is also necessary in view of the possible spread of the monkey pox viral disease and other diseases which can spread through infected hands.
“We implore all schools, homes and public places to resume this practice of using clean water to wash hands with soap; before and after eating and after using the toilet.
“We also advise children to wash hands after playing and when back from school,’’ he said.
He wondered why some Nigerians had relaxed the practice after the 2014 Ebola scourge.
Dabit insisted that hand washing, using sanitiser and washing and cooking food in good hygienic conditions have health, spiritual and social benefits.
NAN reports that monkey pox, a rare viral disease, occurs primarily in remote areas of Central and West Africa near tropical rain forests transmitted to people by various wild animals.
The Federal Government had announced that there were 74 suspected cases across 11 states of the federation with only three confirmed cases in Bayelsa.
It said 12 suspected cases in Bayelsa tested negative and four tested negative in Lagos.
Monkey pox is transmitted to humans through animals like monkeys, rodents, rats, squirrels amongst others.
Nigerians are advised to be cautious to avoid close contact with blood, body fluids or mucosal lesions of affected persons and thoroughly cook all animal products before eating. (NAN)
MAA/MOL/MST
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola