A confirmed case of Monkeypox (Mpox) has been reported in the Okoshe community within the Obudu local government area of Cross River State. This information was disclosed by the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, during a press briefing in Calabar on Sunday. Dr. Ayuk shared that the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja verified the case after testing a sample from the affected community.
According to Dr. Ayuk, the Ministry of Health was alerted to a potential Mpox or Chickenpox case on Monday, August 19th, by the State Epidemiologist of Ebonyi. Following this initial suspicion, a sample was dispatched to the national reference laboratory for definitive testing. The results, which arrived on Saturday, August 24th, confirmed the presence of Mpox and ruled out Chickenpox.
The confirmed case involves a female patient from Okoshe village in Obudu. She sought medical treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Abakaliki. Dr. Ayuk indicated that an investigation is currently underway to determine why she traveled to Ebonyi for medical care, as there was no previous medical history or referral from Obudu related to her condition.
Despite ongoing inquiries into her travel history, the state government has swiftly activated measures to prevent a potential outbreak in Obudu. Dr. Ayuk emphasized that the Mpox Emergency Operation Center has been immediately reactivated, with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo, appointed as the Incident Manager.
RELATED: Katsina Records 118 suspected Cholera cases
The Commissioner has also instructed the Obudu local government response team, with assistance from the State team, to initiate mitigation efforts without delay. These efforts include compiling a list of individuals showing symptoms, quarantining close contacts or symptomatic individuals at General Hospital Sankwala in Obanliku, and collecting samples from those who exhibit symptoms.
In addition, Dr. Ayuk highlighted the importance of sensitizing the community on preventive measures. Awareness campaigns will be conducted in churches, schools, and community centers, and necessary medical supplies will be transported to General Hospital Sankwala as part of the response strategy.
To ensure long-term control of the disease’s spread, Dr. Ayuk mentioned that there are plans to provide monthly financial support to surveillance teams in local government areas (LGAs) for active case searches within health facilities and communities across the state. Moreover, there will be ongoing supervision by both State and LGA teams, the establishment of isolation wards in government hospitals, and the provision of essential infection prevention and control supplies in all LGAs. The Health Commissioner also stressed the importance of continued health promotion and advocacy focused on personal hygiene to help curb the spread of Mpox.
Mygreat learning Awesome! Its genuinely remarkable post, I have got much clear idea regarding from this post . Mygreat learning
Hello, Jack speaking. I’ve bookmarked your site and make it a habit to check in daily. The information is top-notch, and I appreciate your efforts.