The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has confirmed growing concern over Mpox cases in 10 out of the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State. So far, 11 cases have been recorded, with several more suspected but not yet reported.
The NOA’s State Director, Mr. Mkpoutom Ufot Mkpoutom, shared this on Monday, October 28, 2024 during a meeting with the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Uyo, the state capital. He said the World Health Organization (WHO) is working with the state government to prevent loss of lives from the outbreak.
The affected local government areas include Uyo, Mkpat Enin, Uruan, Ikot Ekpene, and Onna, with more areas still under investigation.
Mr. Mkpoutom explained that a family of six from Onna contracted the disease and moved to Uyo for help, raising fears of further spread through bodily fluids from coughing, sneezing, and sweating.
Akwa Ibom now has the highest number of Mpox cases in the country, according to the NOA, and efforts are underway to educate people about the disease. Awareness campaigns have been taken to all 31 local government areas, including schools, traditional institutions, religious organisations, and local communities.
The NOA urged residents to report suspected cases to healthcare centres, where the WHO is offering free treatment for symptoms, as there is no known cure at the moment.
The family of six has been traced and handed over to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for isolation and treatment.
Mr. Mkpoutom also advised residents to maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, wear face masks, and keep their surroundings clean. He noted that Mpox was named “Monkeypox” because certain animals like rats, rabbits, and other rodents can carry the virus.
