October 29, 2024 – The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has confirmed eight cases of Mpox, with six cases traced to a single household in Onna Local Government Area. This cluster of infections has triggered an immediate response from state health authorities to prevent further spread.
Following the report, the Akwa Ibom branch of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) launched intensified public health campaigns to raise awareness. NOA Coordinator Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom explained that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) discovered the cluster after members of the infected household moved from Onna to Uyo, the state capital, before health officials could reach them. The move expanded the outbreak to Uyo, marking it as the second affected area.
Mkpoutom confirmed that the infected individuals are now quarantined, with contact tracing underway to identify anyone exposed. “As of now, Akwa Ibom has the highest number of Mpox cases in Nigeria,” he noted, stating that at least ten local government areas, including Uyo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Ekpene, are impacted.
The agency has advised residents to report any symptoms at local health centers, noting that Mpox is often mistaken for skin rashes but spreads quickly through contact with bush meat and rodents. “Initially, we thought monkeys were the primary carriers, but studies now show that rats can also spread Mpox. Once in a household, it spreads easily between people,” Mkpoutom warned.
Health officials are urging caution and advising against contact with wild animals, especially bush meat, as part of efforts to contain the outbreak in Akwa Ibom State.
