Akwa Ibom records five cases of Mpox

Akwa Ibom State has recorded five cases of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, in recent days.

Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, Samuel Etuk, confirmed the development to journalists on Friday.

He said a total of 30 samples were collected in various local government areas for diagnosis, and four of them tested positive for Mpox.

Etuk said: “Four cases have been confirmed, three of whom are males, and one female, aged two, four, 12 and 41 years old respectively.

“This confirmation was made by Breakthrough Action Nigeria in collaboration with the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme.

“We have another positive case of Mpox, this latest case brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to five.”

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The monitoring officer said 10 community-based informants had been involved in working in the catchment area.

“They will report to a focal officer at the health facility who will communicate with the local government disease surveillance and notification office.

“The complete report will be submitted to the Ministry of Health so that it can be followed up immediately,” he added.

Etuk said Mpox symptoms include headaches, swollen lymph nodes, fever, back and muscle pain, and lack of energy.

“Another symptom is a rash. This rash first appears on the face and gradually spreads to other parts of the body such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and legs,” he concluded.

The World Health Organization last month declared Mpox a global public health emergency.

Nigeria had more than 40 confirmed cases as of last month.

Akwa Ibom posts five Mpox cases first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.