RUMOURED MONKEYPOX INJECTION: Bayelsa suspends all medical activities in schools

The Bayelsa State Government on Friday announced the suspension of all forms of medical outreach program in public and private schools throughout the state.

The decision, according to the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, at a joint press briefing with his Health Commissioner, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, was sequel to the scare of a purported injection given to students against the viral ‘MonkeyPox’ disease,

He said the government will monitor the situation and ensure strict compliance while urging the management of schools to verify the identity of those who come around their premises for one thing or the other.

Iworiso-Markson described as deliberate misinformation the development which has led to the panic and withdrawal of students by parents from schools and stressed that there is no such thing happening.

Speaking also,. Etebu debunked the rumour, saying it is unhealthy and called on parents to return their children to schools as the government is on top of the situation.

Read also: Seven suspected Monkey Pox cases recorded in Abuja

“I want to say that there is no vaccination against ‘MonkeyPox’. So proprietors of schools should not allow any stranger to come and administer such on their pupils. Anyone dressed in Army uniform, clinical or lab cloth injecting children should be reported.

“The rumor is unhealthy and we condemn it. As a government we are on top of the case and we will get to the root of where this falsehood emanated from” he said..

It would be recalled that there was a similar scare in some parts of Anambra State, as parents stormed schools earlier in the week to withdraw their kids.

The state government had to issue a statement on the issue, and urged the military authorities reportedly engaged in medical outreaches to stop such activities forthwith until the people are adequately sensitized.

 

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