Mpox disease outbreak in Cross River State
Two new cases of the Mpox diseases has been confirmed in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State
So far Cross Rivers state has recorded seven confirmed cases of Mpox disease.
Out of the seven, three are most recent with one recorded in August, in Okoshe, Obudu Local Government Area and the other two in Calabar Municipality in late October.
The two new Mpox cases in Calabar, detected on Monday, 21st October 2024, by the state surveillance team and samples were sent to the National Reference National Hospital, Abuja.
The results received on Thursday, 24th October 2024, confirmed the suspected cases.
The two new cases involved a baby in the Ikot Ekpo area and a young man of about 18 years, a student of the university of Calabar.
The state Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong confirmed this in her statement and disclosed that the state government have been committedly carrying out containment activities.
This is to prevent the spread of diseases and ensuring adequate sensitization to safeguard public health.
WHAT IS MPOX?
Mpox also known as ‘monkey pox’ is a rare zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkey pox virus(MPXV).
Similar to Small pox but generally less severe.
Typically, it presents with symptoms such as Fever, rash(pus filled blisters), fatigue, joint pain, respiratory symptoms(e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion or cough) and lymphadenopathy.
Causing varying levels of discomfort and could eventually cause death.
However, the disease having a mortality rate of less than 5% in Africa has proved to be less fatal than its predecessor.
Origin of Mpox
The Mpox virus was first discovered in 1958 in Denmark in laboratory monkeys that became ill.
The first recorded case of Mpox was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a nine months old baby.
WHY IS MPOX A CONCERN?
One of the main reasons for concern is its mode of transmission.
Mpox virus can be transferred from animals to humans and from one human to another having animals like cows, cats, African rodents and non-human primates like monkeys as carriers.
The virus can spread from person to person through direct body contact with infectious rash or body fluids and also through sex, cuddling or direct contact with respiratory secretions through prolonged face to face contact.
Humans are also infected by contact with infected animals either alive, dead or not properly cooked.
SECONDARY CONCERN
The outbreak of Mpox poses serious health challenges to directly to Cross River State.
Owing to its rich biodiversity beaming with wildlife and its tourism related recreational engagement
Hence, predisposing state to increased risk of this zoonotic epidemic.
ROLE OF THE CROSS RIVER STATE GOVERNMENT IN MPOX OUTBREAK MANAGEMENT.
The government at both State and local have been very in responding to the situation launching campaigns to educate residents of the state about symptoms and mode of transmission of the Mpox virus.
Thus, mitigating the spread of panic and false information throughout the state.
Government authorities are actively utilizing small pox vaccines which offer cross protection against Mpox.
The Cross River state government has also set up adequate monitoring and surveillance systems to swiftly report confirmed and suspected cases of the Mpox disease
This is to ensure immediate isolation and adequate management of the virus.
Mpox in Cross River State ways of STAYING SAFE.
Thoroughly cook all foods that contain meat and do not eat meat of wild animals.
Ensure to clean and disinfect regularly touched surfaces.
Practice safe sex. Use condoms when necessary.
Keep your house and general environment clean to avoid harboring house rats and other rodents.
Vaccinate and take proper care of household pet and life stocks.
Avoid infected person and contaminated objects.
Disinfect and wash hands with soap and water regularly.
NOTE
The world Health organization has approved no specific treatment for the Mpox disease.
The general public should make active efforts to be cautious and as stay safe.
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