The Nigerian Medical Association has called on the Cross River State 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.

The Public Relations Officer of the NMA, Dr Ukam Edadi, 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 emphasized 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,” Edadi warned.

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 center 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.

PUNCH