C’River Govt Raises Alarm Over Imminent Outbreak Of Diseases
From Ani Bassey
- The Cross River State government has warmed members of the public to be vigilant and guard against a possible outbreak of diseases in the state
The Cross River State government has warmed members of the public to be vigilant and guard against a possible outbreak of diseases in the state.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu gave the warning in Calabar.
The warning comes against the back drop of the recent outbreak of violence in Calabar where hoodlums invaded and looted medical facilities in the state.
Medical facilities and institutions invaded by the hoodlums include the Dr. Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital (former IDH) in Calabar South, the CRS Essential Drug Program (EDP) premises on Barracks road, and the CRS COVID 19 treatment center in Tinapa (Adiabo) where properties either looted or destroyed.
Equipment and furniture, some containing patents’ samples for Tuberculosis (TB), HIV and COVID 19, were either carted away or spilled in the rubbles that they left behind.
However, Dr. Edu who also chairs the state’s COVID-19 Response Team said “There is increased risk of disease outbreak in those who took part in the looting activities especially in the listed sites, their neighbours or anybody who may be within close range at the contaminated sites.
“The ministry has ordered immediate decontamination of the affected sites and the close environments.
“Members of the public are advised to follow all the earlier established protocol for COVID 19 and respiratory route infections such as hand hygiene, use of face mask, and restriction from crowded areas.
“An arrangement has been made for free testing for the listed disease (TB, COVID 19 and HIV). Exposed individuals and others who desire to know their status should proceed for free testing and treatment at the General Hospital, Calabar located along Mary Slessor road”, she said.
She advised members of the public to report any unusual cough, fever or any abnormal presentations to the nearest public health facility (hospital) for proper medical care.
She also assured that government is working round the clock to restore public healthcare services in the affected places.
