The Cross River chapter of the association also warned that the state was more vulnerable than others.
The Public Relations Officer of the NMA, Ukam Edadi, made the call in an interview with mewsmen in Calabar.
Reports say 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 emphasised 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.
Edadi warned that Hunters and other individuals who come into frequent contact with wildlife could easily become hosts for the virus.
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.
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.