Panic has gripped Akwa Ibom State as eight confirmed cases of monkeypox have been reported across several local government areas, including Onna, Uruan, Ikot Ekpene, and Mkpat Enin.
During an enlightenment tour in Uyo on Monday, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), revealed that the agency’s outreach efforts have expanded beyond the Ministry of Information to encompass various sectors, including health. He emphasized that their current campaign will focus on collaborating with the State Ministry of Health to address the rising health concerns.
Mkpoutom disclosed that Akwa Ibom has recorded the highest number of monkeypox infections in the country, with affected individuals currently quarantined in government hospitals. He traced the outbreak back to Onna local government area, where six family members were initially infected before migrating to Uyo, leading to further transmission.
“Six family members in Onna were the first to contract the virus before migrating to Uyo, from where it spread to neighboring council areas,” Mkpoutom explained.
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To combat the outbreak, the state government is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to contain the epidemic, which currently has no known cure. “The state government has mobilized health centers across all 31 local government areas to monitor and prevent further spread of the disease,” he stated.
Health Commissioner Prof. Augustine Umoh confirmed the situation, assuring residents that the government is actively managing the outbreak. He urged the public to remain calm, stating, “The state government is working diligently with the United Nations to contain the epidemic. Those infected have been isolated in designated centers for observation and treatment, while contact tracing is ongoing in all affected areas.”
As the situation unfolds, health officials urge residents to stay informed and adhere to health guidelines to help prevent further transmission of monkeypox in Akwa Ibom.
