THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central team that arrived in the state to assess the monkeypox prevention activities has held a discussion with the health department officials. The team also held discussions with the Principal Secretary of Health Department, Additional Director of Public Health Department and Director of Public Health Lab. The central team visited Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital and assessed the condition of the monkeypox-infected patient.

Meanwhile, Minister Veena George said that monkeypox prevention activities have been intensified in the state. "The Health Department will monitor people with symptoms similar to chicken pox and ensure that they do not have monkeypox. We will randomly test samples of people with similar symptoms to see if anyone else in the society has the disease. Surveillance will be strengthened at the airport. As part of this, health department officials will hold discussions with airport authorities. A system will also be put in place to isolate those who experience monkeypox symptoms. KANIV 108 ambulance is also ready to take patients and suspected patients to the hospital safely," the minister said.

"Training for monkeypox prevention in the state is going on at a fast pace. So far more than 1200 health workers have been trained. Specialist training will also be provided to dermatologists, physicians, pediatricians, Pulari clinics, Ayush department etc. Airport staff are also undergoing training. The health condition of the monkeypox-infected patient is satisfactory. No one else has symptoms. The health department is constantly monitoring everyone in the contact list. Health officials talk to them over the phone twice a day and assess their physical and mental condition," the minister said.