The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Thursday that Nigeria has recorded 39 confirmed cases of mpox with no deaths across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the beginning of 2024.
The Director General of NCDC,Dr. Jide Idris, shared this update at a press conference in Abuja. He also reported that there have been 5,951 suspected cases and 176 deaths from cholera across 36 states and the FCT as of August 11, 2024.
Dr. Idris noted, “In Nigeria, cumulatively, a total of 39 confirmed mpox cases and zero deaths have been recorded. Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, and Ebonyi lead with the highest numbers.”
The Africa Centre for Disease Control declared a public health emergency due to the mpox outbreak on the continent. The outbreak has spread through several African countries, especially the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dr. Idris said, “There is a serious and growing outbreak in the DRC that has now expanded outside the country. A new viral strain first detected in September 2023 has been found outside the DRC.”
The mpox virus spreads from animals to humans and between humans. Transmission can occur through contact with infected animals or people. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.
Dr. Idris emphasized that the NCDC is intensifying surveillance and response efforts. “We have put port health services across all five international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders on high alert,” he said.
The NCDC is also considering vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, expecting 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine.
Regarding cholera, Dr. Idris reported, “As of August 11, 2024, there have been 5,951 suspected cholera cases and 176 deaths. The most affected age group is under five years old.”
He added that the situation is expected to fluctuate, with factors like high rates of open defecation contributing to the spread.
The NCDC plans to enhance prevention and case management measures to address the outbreak.
