Statistics from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention have revealed that a significant majority of Mpox cases in Nigeria are occurring among males.
According to data published on Monday, 67% of Mpox cases recorded since January 2024 have been among men.
Since the first confirmed case of Mpox in Nigeria in September 2017, men have accounted for approximately 70% of the 6,001 suspected and confirmed cases. In 2024 alone, 1,031 suspected cases were reported across 47 local government areas in 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 67 cases confirmed.
The NCDC data further indicated that children under the age of five are the most affected demographic, followed by individuals in the 26-30 and 46-50 age groups.
Out of the 64 confirmed cases so far this year, children under five made up the highest number, with 15 cases.
Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities from Mpox in 2024, a significant improvement compared to the two deaths recorded in 2022 and seven in 2023.
Mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, typically presents with a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. While most patients recover fully, some may experience severe illness.
The disease can be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated objects.
Globally, Mpox has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organisation. Though the Democratic Republic of Congo remains the epicentre of the outbreak in Africa, at least 14 African countries, including Nigeria, have reported cases.
In response to the outbreak, the WHO approved the MVA-BN vaccine as the first Mpox vaccine on its prequalification list.
Nigeria also recently received a donation of 10,000 doses of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine from the United States government, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce transmission and contain the spread of the virus.
