An outbreak of mpox has ravaged communities in Akwa Ibom with at least 10 council areas being the worst hit, leaving many feeling unwell. Akwa Ibom State is reported to have recorded the highest prevalence of Mpox cases in the country since the outbreak of the disease.
The worst affected local government areas are Uyo, Mkpat Enin, Uyo and Onna, among others. It is against this background that the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Akwa Ibom State says it is embarking on a massive sensitisation campaign to create awareness on the dangers of the disease and preventive measures.
According to Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, Akwa Ibom State Director of the agency, the sensitisation campaign is being carried out in the rural communities, schools and markets.
Mkpoutom who spoke during an interaction said that the agency’s staff members have been dispatched to the affected councils since last week after receiving instructions from the Ministry of Health to sensitize the public on preventive measures and the importance of seeking medical attention immediately in case of fever, headache, boils, or sores on the skin.
He advised people to avoid consuming dead or undercooked meat and urged them to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.
The NOA director said, “I am sure that you are very much aware that Akwa Ibom has the highest cases of Mpox right now. My team has been in the field since last week after we received instructions from the Ministry of Health.
“Ten local governments are seriously affected, with the most impacted local government areas being Uyo, Onna, Mkpat Enin, and Ikot Ekpene.”
By implication the high rate of incidents in Akwa Ibom shows that the state is the worst hit by Mpox in Nigeria. And this raises a lot of concern. This is more so because experts say that Mpox has no cure, this leaving victims with no option beyond management and treatment of the symptoms.
While noting that, in Onna LGA alone, about six people were affected by the disease in one household, Mkpoutom implored the people to report suspected cases to nearby health facilities.
“We are asking people to please report cases like this. People should not assume that it is just ordinary rashes, ” he said.
