The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the Cross River State Government to strengthen its surveillance mechanisms against mpox, citing increased vulnerability due to the state’s unique risk factors.
The association’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Ukam Edadi, emphasized the importance of proactive measures, given the state’s status as a major tourist destination with vast forest reserves.
Dr. Edadi warned that hunters and individuals who come into frequent contact with wildlife could easily become hosts for the virus. He also highlighted the state’s geographical vulnerability due to its borders with Cameroon and other Central African countries where the outbreak originated.
The NMA called for enhanced surveillance, particularly in border communities, and intensive awareness campaigns to address the current lack of public knowledge of the disease in the state.
However, the Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Ayuk, dismissed concerns about an mpox outbreak in the state, describing reports by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as erroneous.
Dr. Ayuk assured the public that there was currently no evidence of mpox, cholera, or Lassa fever in the state.