The Akwa Ibom State Government has issued a strong warning to residents following the confirmation of five cases of Mpox, urging them to exercise caution and remain vigilant. This warning comes after the state recorded five cases of the disease in various local government areas, sparking concern about the potential spread of the virus in the community.
Providing an update on the Mpox outbreak on Friday, the state government revealed that a total of 30 samples had been collected for diagnosis, with four initial cases confirmed. These cases comprised three males and one female, ranging in age from 2 to 41 years old. The initial patients were a 2-year-old male, a 4-year-old male, a 12-year-old male, and a 41-year-old female.
Samuel Etuk, an official responsible for disease surveillance and notification at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, confirmed the initial cases during a Media Review Meeting organized by Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) in collaboration with the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP). He announced that the tally of confirmed cases had risen to five, with an additional positive case identified during the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the virus.
Etuk stated, “We have another positive case of Mpox, bringing the tally to five confirmed cases in the state.” He emphasized that contact tracing had been promptly initiated to identify individuals who may have been exposed to the infected persons. The affected individuals were immediately isolated to prevent further transmission of the disease.
In a proactive move to strengthen the state’s response to the outbreak, Etuk explained that 10 community informants had been recruited in each of the 368 political wards across Akwa Ibom State. These informants are tasked with reporting any suspected cases of Mpox to the health facility focal persons within their communities. The focal persons then relay the information to the local government’s disease surveillance and notification officers, who forward the data to the Ministry of Health for further action.
Etuk urged the public to remain vigilant, as Mpox can spread from animals to humans through a process known as zoonotic transmission. He explained that the virus can also be transmitted from person to person through both direct and indirect contact. Common transmission routes include contact with bodily fluids such as urine, feces, and blood, as well as sexual contact, broken skin, or exposure to oral secretions. The disease can also spread through contact with skin lesions or contaminated objects such as bedding and clothing used by an infected person.
Mpox symptoms typically manifest after an incubation period of five to 21 days. Etuk outlined the common symptoms of the disease, which include severe headaches, swollen lymph nodes, fever, back and muscle pain, fatigue, and a lack of energy. One of the hallmark symptoms of Mpox is a distinctive rash that usually begins on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, such as the palms, soles of the feet, and other areas.
To help curb the spread of the virus, Etuk provided a set of preventive measures that residents should adopt. These include avoiding contact with animals that are known to be infected with Mpox, particularly those that are sick or have died. Residents were also advised to avoid close contact with individuals who have contracted the disease and to isolate any animals that may be infected. Frequent hand washing with soap, the use of hand sanitizers, and thorough cooking of meat before consumption were also recommended. For individuals who handle sick animals, it is essential to wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves to reduce the risk of infection.
Etuk further advised residents to report any suspected cases of Mpox to the nearest health facility or to contact the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for immediate assistance. He emphasized that early detection and isolation of infected individuals are crucial to preventing a large-scale outbreak of the virus.
During the briefing, Etuk also recalled that the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared Mpox a global public health emergency of international concern in Africa, after reviewing available data on the virus. This declaration was made on August 14, 2024, highlighting the severity of the situation and the need for urgent action to contain the spread of the virus across the continent.
As the state continues to battle the outbreak, the Akwa Ibom State Government is working closely with health authorities and international organizations to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent further transmission of the virus. The government is urging residents to remain calm, follow all preventive guidelines, and report any suspected cases promptly to ensure swift intervention.
The state’s efforts to combat the Mpox outbreak demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring the well-being of all its residents. However, it is crucial for the public to cooperate fully with health officials and adopt the recommended safety measures to protect themselves and their communities from the virus.
In the meantime, the state government has reassured residents that it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates on any developments related to the outbreak. As more information becomes available, the public is encouraged to stay informed and follow the guidance of health authorities to help prevent the spread of Mpox in Akwa Ibom State.
