The Monkey Pox epidemic, first detected in Bayelsa state, appears to have spread to neighbouring south-south states as there a confirmed case of the epidemic in Akwa Ibom state.

One confirmed case has been recorded in the state, while two other suspected cases are under investigation.

This latest outbreak has been confirmed in a statement by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh.

According to the statement, the disease which has no known treatment or vaccine exhibits similar symptoms to smallpox, but it is milder, and larger rashes appear on the skin.
The statement warns residents to avoid excessive handshakes and abstain from eating bush meat. regular handwashing is also advised.

The first reported cases of the Monkey Pox outbreak were recorded in the Fangbe area of Bayelsa state on October 5, where 13 people were hospitalised and 49 suspected cases quarantined.