Monkeypox Threatens Public Health In Akwa Ibom

By Patrick Titus, Uyo

Available data released by the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health has shown that the state is the highest with monkeypox prevalence in Nigeria.

So far, seven of 31 Local Government areas of the state have recorded incidents with Uyo topping the list while eight others are under watch.

The Local Government areas are
Ibesikpo Asutan, Mkpat Enin, Urueoffong Uruko, Ibiono Ibom, Oron and Abak. LGAs with suspected cases are Eastern Obolo, Nsit Ibom, Etinan, Itu, Uruan, Eket, Onna and Ika.

Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Akwa Ibom State Directorate, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom disclosed the figure in a press statement in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.

Mkpoutom noted Mpox as a viral zoonotic disease, caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus, can be transmitted to humans typically through direct contact with infected animals or humans.

He added that symptoms typically appear within five to 21 days after exposure. The symptoms include: fever, chills, rash (often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body).

Others include, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes (a distinguishing factor from smallpox) and that the rash usually progresses through several stages, from flat lesions to raised bumps filled with fluid, and eventually scabs over.

Mpox can spread through direct contact with infected animals, such as handling or consuming bush meat, it can also spread through respiratory droplets after prolonged face-to-face contact, or through direct contact with lesions, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials like bedding as well as contaminated surfaces serving as a transmission pathways.

“In recent years, the world has witnessed the emergence of several infectious diseases that have raised global health concerns. Among these, monkeypox has re-emerged as an important public health topic.

In light of increasing incidence rates and global travel, it is crucial to raise awareness about monkeypox, its symptoms, transmission and prevention measures,” the NOA Director advised.