9 October 2017
The attention of the Cross River State Ministry of Health has been drawn to reports of a suspected case of Monkeypox in Okuni, Ikom LGA of the State just days after the suspect returned from a trip to Akwa Ibom State with symptoms suggestive of Monkeypox disease.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong is calling on the general public especially those living in the area to be careful and avoid of close contacts with each other as the incubation period of Monkeypox Disease is usually from 6 to 16 days but can range from 5 to 21 days.
Along with the activation of the Disease Surveillance and Response team for the outbreak across the State, the State Epidemiology Team has also collected samples from the suspect and sent to Abuja for proper investigation whilst they continue contact tracing and isolation of the suspect.
The symptoms to watch out for includes fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph node, back pain, muscle ache and an intense lack of energy then finally the skin erupts with rashes mostly on the face, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The evolution of the rash from lesions with a flat base to small fluid-filled blisters, pustules, followed by crusts occurs in approximately 10 days. Three weeks might be necessary before the complete disappearance of the crusts.
The Honourable Commissioner has urged the public to be on red alert and not hesitate to report any suspected case to the State Epidemiology Department or appropriate authorities immediately.
Avoiding close physical contacts with body fluids of suspects, regular hand washing especially after caring for or visiting sick people and thoroughly cooking all animal products before eating are the best preventive measures against human to human transmission.
There should be no cause for alarm and everyone should go about their normal business as the suspect is being properly managed in one of the isolation units.
Signed
Patience Uke
State Epidemiologist
08059282709
8 October 2017
