Orientation Agency Cautions Residents as Monkeypox Hits 15 Akwa Ibom Councils
The
resurgence of Monkeypox (Mpox) in Akwa Ibom State has prompted urgent warnings
from the National Orientation Agency (NOA), which is calling on residents to
adopt strict safety measures to curb the spread of the disease.
According
to the state director of NOA, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the virus has already
affected 15 out of the 31 local government areas in the state, with seven
councils identified as the worst hit.
These
include Ibesikpo Asutan, Abak, Urueofong Oruko, Ibiono Ibom, Mkpat Enin, Oron,
and Uyo, the state capital. Eight additional councils, Eastern Obolo, Nsit
Ibom, Etinan, Itu, Uruan, Eket, Onna, and Ika, have reported suspected cases,
raising concerns about further spread across the state.
Data from
the state Ministry of Health highlights Uyo as the epicenter of the outbreak,
with a high prevalence rate compared to other affected areas.
The NOA
has therefore urged residents, particularly travelers, to take precautionary
steps such as avoiding crowded places, maintaining safe distances, frequent
hand washing, and ensuring personal and environmental hygiene.
Monkeypox,
a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus under the Orthopoxvirus
genus, typically spreads through direct contact with infected animals or
humans.
Transmission
can occur via handling bush meat, prolonged face-to-face exposure to
respiratory droplets, or contact with lesions, bodily fluids, and contaminated
materials such as bedding and surfaces.
Symptoms
usually appear within five to twenty-one days after exposure and include fever,
chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a
distinctive rash that progresses from flat lesions to fluid-filled bumps before
scabbing over.
The NOA
emphasized the importance of community awareness and collaboration in combating
the outbreak. Mr. Mkpoutom appealed to the media, traditional institutions,
religious leaders, NGOs, and community mobilization officers to intensify
efforts in spreading accurate information about Mpox. He stressed that
proactive measures, public health monitoring, and community engagement are
vital to controlling the disease and preventing further escalation.
This
resurgence of Monkeypox in Akwa Ibom reflects a broader global trend of
reemerging infectious diseases, underscoring the need for vigilance in public
health.
The
agency’s call to action is not only a warning but also a reminder that
collective responsibility and adherence to preventive measures remain the
strongest defense against outbreaks of this nature.
