CurrentReport Blog The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Akwa Ibom State has initiated a public awareness campaign to address the Mpox outbreak, with the aim of educating residents on prevention and early detection. This move comes as Akwa Ibom, with eight reported cases, now ranks among the states with the highest prevalence of the Mpox virus.
The NOA State Coordinator, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, announced the campaign in Uyo, highlighting that ten local government areas have reported cases, with Uyo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Ekpene as the most affected areas. Following instructions from the Ministry of Health, NOA teams have been deployed to educate communities on preventive practices, including personal hygiene, proper meat handling, and prompt medical consultations in case of symptoms like fever, headache, or skin sores.
“Akwa Ibom currently has the highest Mpox cases in Nigeria,” Mkpoutom said, stressing the urgency of public awareness. He cautioned against the consumption of undercooked or dead animals, noting that the virus is easily transmitted through contact with infected animals, including bush meat.
In Onna LGA alone, six individuals in a single household contracted the virus, highlighting the contagious nature of the disease. The affected individuals have been quarantined, and contact tracing is ongoing across the state.
NOA calls on the public to report any suspected cases immediately, emphasizing that prompt action can curb the spread of the virus and protect communities.
