The Akwa Ibom State Government has raised alarms over the increasing number of monkeypox cases, with five confirmed so far in the state.
Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant as the disease continues to spread across various local government areas. In a recent update on September 6, officials reported that out of 30 samples collected, five tested positive. The first four cases involved three males and one female, ranging in age from 2 to 41 years.
Samuel Etuk, head of disease surveillance at the state Ministry of Health, confirmed the fifth case and mentioned that contact tracing is ongoing, with the affected individuals currently in isolation.
During a media review meeting organized by Breakthrough Action Nigeria (BA-N) and the State Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (STBLCP), Etuk highlighted the importance of community involvement in monitoring the outbreak. Ten informants in each of the state’s 368 political wards are tasked with reporting suspected cases to health officials.
Etuk explained that monkeypox is transmitted from animals to humans (a zoonotic process) and can spread through direct or indirect human contact, including exposure to bodily fluids such as urine, blood, feces, skin lesions, and oral secretions.
Symptoms typically appear within 5 to 21 days, including fever, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, rashes, and muscle pain, with rashes usually starting on the face and spreading to other parts of the body.
To curb further spread, residents are advised to avoid contact with sick animals or individuals, maintain good hygiene practices, and report any suspected cases to health authorities or the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Etuk reminded the public that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a global public health emergency of international concern in August 2024, highlighting the importance of increased awareness and preventive measures.