By Haruna Gimba
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has stepped up its efforts to combat the outbreak of Mpox, following its declaration as a public health emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
This was disclosed by the Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, during a press conference in Abuja.
He stated that while 39 confirmed cases of Mpox have been recorded across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) there are no deaths yet recorded. He, however, said five states are currently leading the infection chart.
“In Nigeria, cumulatively, a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), from the beginning of the year 2024. Bayelsa (5), Cross River (5), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3) leading the pack,” he said.
He described Mpox as a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease, endemic in several African countries, including the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.
“The exact reservoir of the virus remains unknown, although rodents, squirrels, and monkeys are suspected to play a role in transmission. The Mpox virus can spread from animal to human and from human to human.
“Animal-to-human transmission may occur through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, skin, or mucosal lesions of infected animals, such as monkeys, squirrels, and rodents, potentially via a bite, scratch, handling, or consuming inadequately cooked or other products of infected bushmeat.
“Human-to-human transmission occurs when an individual comes into contact with the virus from an infected person or materials contaminated with the virus, such as clothing or bedding.
“Symptoms of the illness include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. After approximately one to three days of fever, the rash erupts, initially on the face, then spreading to the body, with the face and palms/soles being predominantly affected. The rash can also occur in and around the genitals, making contact during sexual activity another mode of transmission,” Dr Idris explained.
The NCDC noted that in response to the outbreak, it is intensifying surveillance and control measures.
These include enhanced contact tracing and monitoring, a declaration by travellers who have been to countries with ongoing Mpox outbreaks, distribution of diagnostic protocols to port health services, high alert at international airports, seaports, and land borders, and training of healthcare workers on infection prevention and control measures.
The director general also revealed that Nigeria is also expecting to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine for high-risk groups.
He also urged the public to adhere to proven infection prevention and control measures, including avoiding contact with animals that may harbour the virus, frequent hand washing, and proper cooking of animal food products.
Dr Idris stated that the National Mpox Technical Working Group will continue to coordinate Mpox response activities, adding that the NCDC remains committed to providing evidence-based guidance to inform the country’s next steps in safeguarding public health.
