Luanda – Angola’s Ministry of Health on Monday reactivated the National Contingency Plan to respond quickly to possible cases of “monkey pox”, according to a press release from the institution.
The document states that the plan, already underway, aims to detect the disease early, confirm suspected cases, identify contacts, evaluate and monitor the spread and evolution of the epidemic, as well as the effectiveness of control measures.
Monkeypox (Monkeypox) is a disease caused by a virus transmitted to humans from monkeys and rodents, which manifests itself through fever, headache and muscle pain, fatigue, weakness and generalized rashes (skin lesions).
The incubation period for the disease varies between five and 21 days.
Situation in Angola
According to the Ministry of Health, Angola has so far not recorded cases of monkeypox disease.
It ensures that it monitors the evolution of the disease in neighboring countries and, subsequently, recommends preventive measures, such as frequently washing hands with soap and water or disinfecting with alcohol gel, not hunting or eating the meat of monkeys and rodents (rats, mice and squirrels), as well as avoiding direct exposure to the meat and blood of these animals.
It also recommends avoiding physical contact with people who show signs or symptoms of the disease.
The restriction covers materials and utensils used by people with signs or symptoms of the disease, including clothing, bedding, towels, plates, glasses and cutlery.
It also advises the use of gloves and appropriate clothing when handling animals, including during the slaughter procedure, as well as advising people to immediately go to the nearest health unit if they detect any of the symptoms of this disease.
The Ministry of Health reiterates its commitment to keeping Angola's health borders inviolable, in order to prevent the disease from arriving in the country. EVC/OHA/DOJ
