With monkeypox cases on the rise, schools are taking steps to raise awareness

Rithu Dravid| NT

Bengaluru

In response to rising number of monkeypox cases in the country, some schools in the city have put in place various safety protocols, and are trying to raise awareness among students about the disease and its prevention. This comes at a time when many children have started attending school after longdrawn lockdowns and attending online classes during the Covid-19 pandemic

“We are following precautionary measures like regular hand washing, sanitising and maintaining safe distance on campus and in class,” says Fr Sunil Fernandes, Principal, St Joseph’s Boys High School.

At Orchids - The International School, a spokesperson said, “We have not shared any advisory on monkeypox with parents as of now. But we are keeping a close watch and will soon take necessary action”

“We had an awareness session for the students about the do’s and don’ts, in case any student contracts the disease,” says Pratima K Pai, Teacher, Sindhi High School, Bengaluru.

Paediatricians in the city felt that prevention was better, particularly at a time when there are no vaccines for monkeypox. Dr Maaz, a paediatrician at a Government hospital in the city said, “Prevention is better than cure. As the government has been identifying cases, the public should be made literate on the same. Early awareness should be created among children and it should be identified early to prevent further infection.”

However, Health Minister K Sudhakar had earlier stated that there was no need for panic. While the disease outbreak is miniscule so far, when compared to Covid, it could be restricted through prompt and effective public health measures, he added.

Health experts have also said there is no need to be worried over the monkeypox threat, but health workers should be on alert and prompt and effective public health measures with regard to testing and treatment should be in place.

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had last month declared monkeypox outbreak a “public health emergency of international concern.” The disease has been reported in over 75 countries