The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued an urgent public health alert to Akwa Ibom residents, following a disturbing rise in Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) cases across the state.
The warning, delivered by the State Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, signals one of the most significant health concerns facing the state this year.
Speaking on the growing threat, Mkpoutom confirmed that Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus under the Orthopoxvirus genus, is spreading at an alarming rate.
The virus, he said, can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or from person to person through lesions, bodily fluids, contaminated materials, and prolonged face-to-face exposure to respiratory droplets.
According to the NOA, data from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health now shows a high prevalence of Mpox in seven Local Government Areas, with Uyo topping the infection list.
Other affected LGAs include Ibesikpo Asutan, Mkpat Enin, Urueoffong Oruko, Ibiono Ibom, Oron, and Abak, even as LGAs with suspected cases include Eastern Obolo, Nsit Ibom, Etinan, Itu, Uruan, Eket, Onna and Ika.
Mkpoutom explained that symptoms of Mpox typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure, beginning with fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, the latter being a distinguishing marker from smallpox.
The illness progresses to a rash that usually begins on the face before spreading across the body, advancing from flat lesions to fluid-filled bumps and eventually scabbing over.
In his remarks, the State Director emphasised that Mpox can also be contracted from handling or consuming bush meat, noting that contaminated bedding and surfaces remain significant transmission pathways.
He called for an all-hands-on-deck approach, urging the media, traditional rulers, religious leaders, NGOs, and NOA Community Mobilisation Officers (COMOs) to intensify sensitisation efforts at the grassroots.
“Your awareness and proactive measures can make a significant difference”, he stated, appealing to communities to support ongoing public health surveillance and control initiatives.
According to him, with the outbreak advancing and more LGAs coming under scrutiny, public health authorities are reinforcing preventive measures and encouraging early reporting of symptoms.
