Cross River State has confirmed its first case of Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, in the Okoshe community of Obudu Local Government Area. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Egbe Ayuk, during a press briefing in Calabar on Sunday.
Dr. Ayuk revealed that the confirmation came from the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, following a report from the State Epidemiologist of Ebonyi, who had initially suspected a case of either Mpox or Chickenpox. The sample, sent to the national lab, returned a positive result for Mpox and negative for Chickenpox on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
“The patient, a female resident of Okoshe village in Obudu, sought medical care at the Federal Medical Centre in Abakaliki,” Dr. Ayuk stated. “An investigation into her travel history is currently underway to determine why she traveled to Ebonyi, as there is no recorded medical history or referral from Obudu.”
The Health Commissioner assured the public that the state government is taking immediate and proactive measures to prevent any potential outbreak in Obudu. He has directed the activation of the Mpox Emergency Operation Center, with Dr. Ekpo Ekpo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, appointed as the Incident Manager.
Mitigation efforts are already in motion, led by the Obudu Local Government Area response team with support from the State team. These measures include the line-listing of symptomatic contacts, quarantining close or symptomatic contacts at General Hospital Sankwala in Obanliku, and collecting samples from those displaying symptoms.
Additional actions include the immediate transfer of samples to the State hub, conducting sensitization and awareness campaigns in churches, schools, and communities, and supplying essential commodities to General Hospital Sankwala.
As a long-term strategy to control the spread of the disease, Dr. Ayuk announced plans for monthly financial support to surveillance teams in all LGAs for active case searches in health facilities and communities across the state. He also outlined plans for supportive supervision by State and LGA teams, establishing and equipping isolation wards in government hospitals, providing infection prevention and control commodities, and promoting health and hygiene advocacy.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of community awareness and preventive measures in curbing the spread of Mpox, urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines.
