An alert has also been issued in Seraikela Kharsawan district including the entire Kolhan division in view of monkeypox. Along with this, an appeal has been made to the people to be alert. Civil surgeon Dr Vijay Kumar said that it is a viral disease. The initial symptoms of virus are headache and fever, similar to the common viral fever. Later, big boils and blisters come out in the body. There is no need to worry too much about it. As soon as symptoms appear, it is possible to cure it by taking the advice of a doctor and taking complete treatment on time. He said that being a viral disease, it spreads to another person only after coming in contact with the infected person. Therefore, the possibility of getting monkeypox can be avoided by maintaining adequate distance from the infected person and by staying away from the objects used by him. He has said that in view of the possible danger of monkeypox, all health centers and hospitals have been instructed to remain alert and alert.

A health department official said that even as no case of monkeypox, a close cousin of smallpox which shows up as fever, body ache and very distinct skin lesions, is yet to be reported in the State, the Health department has sounded a general alert on the disease.

“ Yes we have sounded a general alert in the district to augment disease surveillance and to be alert in the field as to any unusual disease presentations. The disease seems to have been imported to all nations in the West through international travel,” he said.