CurrentReport Blog The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has confirmed four cases of monkeypox, also known as Mpox, within the state from January to August 2024. This was disclosed by Samuel S. Etuk, the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, during the Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria’s Media Partnership Strengthening and Review Meeting held in Uyo, the state capital, on Wednesday.
According to Etuk, the confirmed cases were reported from three local government areas: two cases from Uyo, one from Nsit Ubium, and one from Onna. The affected individuals include three males aged 2, 4, and 15.
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans. Etuk emphasized that there is currently no specific treatment for Mpox, making preventive measures crucial. He stressed the importance of regular hand washing, seeking medical attention when symptoms appear, and avoiding self-medication.
“The Mpox virus can spread both from animal to human and from human to human. Animal-to-human transmission may occur by direct contact with the blood, body fluids, skin, or mucosal lesions of infected animals. There is no specific treatment for the virus, so people should be cautious of physical contact and maintain personal hygiene. Journalists should enlighten the public on our behalf because their voices can reach where ours cannot,” Etuk stated.
During the meeting, Nkoyo Umoh, Program Officer for Social and Behaviour Change at Breakthrough ACTION-Nigeria (BA-N), urged the media to amplify the message of adhering to proven infection prevention and control measures. She emphasized that through effective media engagement, public perceptions and behaviors towards Mpox could be positively influenced.
