Priscilla Akpanettot
No fewer than 5 cases of M-pox Virus have been confirmed in Akwa Ibom State, the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (SDSNO), Mr. Samuel Etuk has disclosed.
Etuk made the disclosure while speaking on the Role of the Media in the Monkey Pox (Mpox) Global Public Health Emergency at the Breakthrough Action-Nigeria review meeting held in Uyo on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
Describing the virus as self-limiting and incurable, he stated that the 5 cases which include 3 males and a female have been confirmed positive with the virus in Uyo, Onna and Nsit Ubium.
"It is caused by infection with the monkey pox virus and can be spread from animal to human and human to human" he said.
"Transmission occurs when a person comes in contact with the virus directly or indirectly through broken skin, eyes, nose and mouth; and the period from infection to onset of symptoms ranges from 5-21 days", he said.
According to Mr. Etuk, the symptoms of Monkey Pox virus are: fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle pain and lack of energy.
There are also appearances of rashes in various stages, following fever, often beginning from the face and then, spreading to other parts of the body, especially the palms and soles of feet.
He stressed that although there was no specific treatment for the virus, most cases are completely resolved within 3-4 weeks even in the absence of any treatment.
He therefore called for the optimization of personal hygiene, healthy diets and carefulness in handling sick animals as preventive measures against contacting the virus.
He strongly advised the report and isolation of suspected or confirmed cases, and directed further enquires on the virus to the State helpline: 08028442194 or 07043105352.
Furthermore, the disease specialist charged the media to help notify the public of the presence of the virus through agenda setting, awareness creation on preventive measures, advocacy, risk communication, education, amongst others.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of Breakthrough Action-Nigeria, Dr. Bassey Nsa had informed that the organization was concerned about the Global Health Security Agenda hence, the need to raise awareness on viruses and diseases.
He stressed that given the right knowledge and skill, issues such as Tuberculosis and Monkey Pox would be effectively managed and subsequently eradicated off the society.
Participants during an interactive session anchored by the Program Officer II, Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) of Breakthrough Action-Nigeria, Mrs. Nkoyo Umoh, were reminded of the need to utilize SBC in their health reports for improved positive behavioral patterns of listeners/readers towards personal health and hygiene.
A Presentation against Tuberculosis Stigma and Discrimination was also held by Dr. Uwem Offon, following a brainstorming session.
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