The Akwa Ibom State Government has raised concerns over the rising cases of monkeypox in the state, confirming five cases so far. Residents have been urged to remain vigilant as the disease spreads across various local government areas.
In an update provided on Friday, September 6, the state government revealed that out of 30 samples collected for diagnosis, five tested positive. The initial four confirmed cases included three males and one female, aged 2, 4, 12, and 41.
The fifth case was confirmed by Samuel Etuk, the official in charge of disease surveillance and notification at the State Ministry of Health. He also noted that contact tracing efforts are currently underway while the affected individuals are in isolation.
Etuk shared these details during a Media Review Meeting organized by Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) in collaboration with the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP).
He emphasised the crucial role of community involvement in monitoring the disease, stating that 10 informants have been engaged in each of the state’s 368 political wards to report cases to health authorities.
Etuk explained that monkeypox, known as Mpox, can be transmitted from animals to humans through a zoonotic process and also through direct or indirect human contact. Transmission can occur via contact with urine, blood, feces, skin lesions, and oral secretions.
The symptoms of Mpox typically appear after an incubation period of 5 to 21 days and include fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, rashes, and muscle pain. The rashes often start on the face and spread to other parts of the body.
To prevent further spread, residents are advised to avoid contact with sick animals or humans, maintain proper hygiene, and report any suspected cases to health authorities or the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Etuk also reminded the public that the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Mpox a global public health emergency of international concern in August 2024, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.
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