Health Ministry denies any monkeypox cases in liberated provinces.

In a recent statement, the Yemeni Ministry of Public Health and Population, headquartered in the temporary capital of Aden, has officially denied any occurrences of monkeypox infections in the liberated provinces. This announcement follows a thorough investigation into a suspected case, underscoring the country’s vigilance against emerging health threats.

Swift Response to Suspected Case

Dr. Adham Mohammed, the Director-General of the General Department for Disease Control and Epidemic Surveillance at the Ministry, shared details of the proactive measures taken following a report of a suspected monkeypox case. Health surveillance teams received an alert regarding a 32-year-old Ethiopian woman, who had arrived from Ethiopia months earlier, exhibiting symptoms consistent with monkeypox.

Upon visiting the woman’s residence, the teams conducted a detailed medical history review. They noted that the woman, seven months pregnant, presented with fever, headache, general weakness, and subsequently developed a rash and swollen lymph nodes in the neck area. A similar condition was observed in one of her children, though the woman confirmed no contact with any known cases in the past 21 days.

Negative Test Results and Ongoing Vigilance

Dr. Mohammed further explained that the health teams took two samples from the lesions on the patient and sent them to the central laboratory in Aden for analysis. The tests returned negative for monkeypox, confirming that there are no cases of the disease in the country.

He emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of the situation and the contacts of the suspected case, as well as increasing the sensitivity of field surveillance to detect any epidemic early and implement rapid interventions to control outbreaks.

National Efforts to Combat Epidemics

This incident highlights Yemen’s commitment to safeguarding public health and its readiness to respond to potential health crises. The Ministry of Public Health and Population continues to educate the public on preventive measures and the need to avoid close contact in case of suspected infections, demonstrating a proactive approach to disease prevention and control in the face of ongoing challenges.

The Ministry assures the public that it remains vigilant and prepared to address any health emergencies, reinforcing the importance of timely and accurate information in managing infectious diseases and protecting community health.

 

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