The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 39 confirmed cases of Mpox across Nigeria. No deaths have been linked to the disease so far.
Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC Director General, shared this update during a briefing on Mpox and other health concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC) have declared Mpox a public health emergency.
Bayelsa leads with the most cases, reporting five. Other states with significant numbers include Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos, each with four cases. The total cases span 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Dr. Idris highlighted the concerning spread of Mpox and the need for increased vigilance, noting that 2,863 cases and 517 deaths have been reported across 13 African countries this year. This surge is linked to a new strain of the virus from eastern Congo.
The NCDC is intensifying surveillance and implementing measures at international airports, seaports, and border crossings to prevent the disease’s spread. States with higher alert levels include Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Taraba.
The NCDC is also preparing for vaccination efforts, with Nigeria set to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine. Public and private hospitals are being informed about Mpox, and referral centers are being established across the country.
Mpox is a viral disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans or from person to person. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.
To prevent Mpox, the NCDC advises avoiding contact with potentially infected animals, practicing good hygiene, and reporting any suspected cases to health facilities. For more information, the NCDC’s toll-free line is 6232.
Dr. Idris emphasized that while the government is working to make vaccines available, following preventive measures is crucial for limiting Mpox transmission.
