Anambra State has not yet recorded any confirmed cases of the Mpox virus, according to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike.
Despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Anambra remains free of the virus. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that affects humans and animals, presenting symptoms such as a blistering rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Dr. Obidike noted that neighboring states like Delta, Ebonyi, and Abia have reported confirmed cases, but all suspected cases in Anambra tested negative.
The commissioner attributed this success to the state’s proactive measures under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, including the deployment of emergency response teams for early detection and intervention in outbreaks.
Anambra has also activated health informants and Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers across all 326 wards in the state, ensuring robust monitoring.
Dr. Obidike assured residents that the state is enhancing its surveillance efforts and has instructed public and private hospitals to establish isolation areas for suspected Mpox cases.
The ministry has also ramped up risk communication through mass sensitization campaigns to educate the public on preventing and identifying the disease.
The commissioner urged Ndi Anambra to maintain personal hygiene, report any suspected cases promptly, and for healthcare workers to observe necessary precautions when treating patients.
