Akwa Ibom State has recorded eight confirmed Mpox cases, with six of those cases traced to one household, according to the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
This development has prompted the government to launch a sensitization exercise to educate residents on the prevalence and prevention of Mpox disease.
As of September 11, 2024, Nigeria had 67 confirmed Mpox cases out of 1,031 suspected cases across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The states with confirmed cases include:
– _Akwa Ibom_: 8 cases
– _Enugu_: 8 cases
– _Bayelsa_: 6 cases
– _Cross River_: 5 cases
– _Benue_: 4 cases
– _Plateau_: 4 cases
Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, NOA coordinator in Akwa Ibom State, revealed that the six cases in one household were identified after the individuals migrated from Onna Local Government Area to Uyo, the state capital. “In Onna LGA, about six people were afflicted in one house… I think you can see how the thing spread and Uyo now became the second place affected,” he said.
Mkpoutom emphasized the importance of reporting suspected cases to the nearest medical center. “We are asking people to please report cases of such. People should not think that it is ordinary rashes (krokro), it is not and the thing is easily spread,” he warned.
The NOA has dispatched staff to affected councils, working closely with the state ministry of health and state agency on health matters. At least 10 local government areas are seriously affected, including Uyo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Ekpene.
