The Akwa Ibom State Government has confirmed five cases of monkeypox (Mpox) across several local government areas, sparking renewed concerns about the viral disease. According to officials, out of 30 samples collected for testing, five cases were confirmed, involving four males and one female, with ages ranging from two to 41 years.
Samuel Etuk, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer from the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health, initially announced four confirmed cases during a Media Review Meeting organized by Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) in collaboration with the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP) in Uyo. He later confirmed a fifth case, raising the total number of infections in the state to five.
“Good morning everyone. We have another positive case of Mpox, bringing the tally to five confirmed cases in the state,” Etuk said via a WhatsApp group update.
The health authorities have initiated contact tracing to prevent further transmission, with all confirmed cases placed in isolation to manage the outbreak. Etuk also revealed that 10 community informants have been deployed in each ward across the state to report any suspected cases to health facility focal persons, ensuring swift communication with local and state health officials.
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Monkeypox, a zoonotic disease, spreads from animals to humans and can also be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an infected person. Human-to-human transmission occurs through bodily fluids such as urine, feces, blood, sexual contact, broken skin, and contact with skin lesions or oral secretions. The disease has an incubation period of 5 to 21 days and common symptoms include headaches, swollen lymph nodes, fever, muscle pain, lack of energy, and a rash that typically starts on the face before spreading to the palms, soles, and other parts of the body.
To curb the spread of monkeypox, health officials are advising the public to take several precautions:
– Avoid contact with sick or dead animals where monkeypox has been confirmed.
– Avoid direct contact with infected individuals.
– Isolate infected animals.
– Regular handwashing with soap and sanitizing hands.
– Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption.
– Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspected cases to the nearest health facility or contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for guidance and support.
On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a Global Public Health Emergency of International Concern in Africa following a review of the increasing cases on the continent.
