The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Akwa Ibom State has reported that six cases of Mpox have been traced back to a single household. In response to this development, the state government has initiated a sensitization campaign aimed at educating the public about the prevalence and prevention of Mpox disease.
According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Health, Akwa Ibom has documented a total of eight Mpox cases during the recent outbreak. Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, the NOA coordinator for Akwa Ibom, shared insights with journalists on Monday, detailing how the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) tracked the cases. He explained that the affected individuals migrated from Onna Local Government Area to Uyo, the state capital, before they could be identified.
“In Onna LGA, six people were impacted within one household, and they unfortunately relocated to Uyo for unknown reasons,” Mkpoutom stated. “This migration allowed the disease to spread, making Uyo the next area affected.”
Since receiving directives from the state Ministry of Health, the agency has dispatched staff to the impacted councils. Mkpoutom emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Akwa Ibom currently has the highest number of Mpox cases in the country.”
He further noted that at least ten local government areas are significantly affected, with Uyo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Ekpene being among the most impacted regions. “This indicates that Akwa Ibom is among the leading states in terms of Mpox cases,” he added.
Mkpoutom urged residents to promptly report any suspected cases to the nearest medical facility for treatment, stressing the importance of community awareness and cooperation in addressing the outbreak.
