In a concerning health update, Akwa Ibom State health authorities have confirmed six new cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) traced to a single household.
The announcement has sparked immediate action, with the state launching quarantine protocols to contain any potential spread of the virus.
Officials from the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Health have reported that all six cases were found within the same family unit, raising concerns about close-contact transmission.
To safeguard public health, the household has been placed under quarantine, and monitoring has been extended to individuals who may have had recent contact with the affected family.
In addition to containment measures, health officials have urged residents to avoid bush meat and wild animals like rats, which are known carriers of the mpox virus.
"We cannot stress enough the importance of avoiding direct contact with animals known to harbor the virus," a health department representative stated, noting that previous outbreaks have often been linked to wild animal exposure.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reassured the public of its readiness to manage the situation.
Efforts to control the outbreak include heightened surveillance, increased health education, and public awareness campaigns about preventive measures.
Local hospitals have been instructed to remain vigilant for potential mpox cases, and residents experiencing symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes are advised to seek immediate medical attention.
Health experts are hopeful that the swift response will prevent further spread, but they remind citizens of the critical need for caution and cooperation to avoid a larger outbreak.
Tags
local