Mpox: NMA urges C’River to strengthen surveillance
Health
THE Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on Cross River Government to urgently enhance its surveillance mechanisms against Mpox, amidst increased vulnerability.
The Cross River chapter of the association also warned that the state was more vulnerable than others.
Dr Ukam Edadi, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the NMA, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Calabar.
NAN reports that the mpox virus, which initially broke out in Central Africa, has since spread to several West African countries, including Nigeria, where 39 cases have been officially recorded.
Edadi emphasised the importance of proactive measures, given Cross River’s unique risk factors.
According to him, Cross River is particularly at risk because of its status as a major tourist destination with vast forest reserves, including a Gorilla Sanctuary.
“Hunters and other individuals who come into frequent contact with wildlife could easily become hosts for the virus”.
He further highlighted the state’s geographical vulnerability due to its borders with Cameroon and other Central African countries where the outbreak originated.
He said that from areas such as Boki, Ikom, Bakassi, and others, the state shared boundaries with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, making it more susceptible to the virus.
He stressed the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, particularly in border communities, and called for intensive awareness campaigns to address the current lack of public knowledge of the disease in the state.
He also warned that some neighbouring states already reported mpox cases.
Reflecting on past efforts, Edadi acknowledged the state’s commendable response during the 2014 ebola outbreak but cautioned against complacency.
“If an mpox outbreak occurs, Cross River currently lacks sufficient isolation centers and diagnostic capabilities, which poses a significant challenge.
“The state’s primary isolation centre was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, leaving only a facility at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), which can accommodate just 50 patients.
“We must intensify our surveillance efforts, particularly in abattoirs, on roads where animals are transported, and at bush meat joints, which could become hotspots for the virus,” he urged.
However, the Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, dismissed concerns about mpox outbreak in the state, describing the reports by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as erroneous.
He assured the public that there was currently no evidence of mpox, cholera, or Lassa fever in the state.
He noted that the recent update of NCDC had to do with a previous case of mpox in the state. (NAN)
23rd August, 2024.
C.E.
Related Posts
Pharmacy council seals 666 medicine stores in Kaduna markets
THE Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), in an enforcement excercise, shut down 666 medicine stores in open drug markets and...
Read MoreFG warns of looming lassa fever surge
THE Federal Government has warned of an impending surge in cases of Lassa fever in the country. Dr Jide Idris, Director...
Read MoreNigeria’s cholera cases surge by 128% with Lagos as epicentre – NCDC
THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has said that Nigeria witnessed a significant rise of 128 per...
Read MoreMost Read
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Keep abreast of news and other developments from our website.