The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured Nigerians that most Mpox patients fully recover after receiving timely and expert medical care.
The agency stressed the importance of seeking medical attention at the earliest signs of symptoms to aid recovery and limit the disease’s spread.
Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, has been present in Nigeria since the 1970s, primarily affecting rural areas where humans interact closely with wildlife. However, the current outbreak has raised concerns due to its more widespread transmission, particularly in urban centres.
The NCDC, through its official website on Thursday, emphasized, “With proper and expert care, most Mpox patients recover. We urge everyone to visit a healthcare facility if they experience symptoms associated with the illness.”
Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is primarily transmitted from animals to humans but can also spread between humans, particularly in densely populated areas.
The disease typically presents with symptoms such as sudden fever, headache, body aches, and weakness. The NCDC noted that patients may also experience sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and a distinctive rash that appears on the face, palms, soles, and genitals.
The NCDC stressed that early detection and treatment are key to managing the disease effectively. “Our healthcare system is equipped to handle these cases, and with the public’s cooperation in seeking care, we can continue to control the spread of Mpox,” the agency added.
To combat the outbreak, the NCDC has enhanced its surveillance and response efforts, working closely with state health authorities to monitor and address cases nationwide. The public is advised to avoid contact with infected individuals or animals and to maintain good hygiene practices to reduce transmission.
Earlier this year, Nigeria received 10,000 doses of Mpox vaccines from the United States, prioritizing distribution in five states—Bayelsa, Edo, Cross River, Lagos and Rivers—due to their higher case numbers.
Since the beginning of the year, confirmed Mpox cases have been reported across 19 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Bayelsa leads with five confirmed cases, followed by Cross River, Enugu, Akwa Ibom and Benue.
Ogun State recorded the highest number of suspected cases, with 141, followed by Lagos with 99, Bayelsa with 94, Ekiti with 47 and Osun with 45.
Although Nigeria’s Mpox case count remains low compared to Central African countries where thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths have been reported, experts warn that the risk of Mpox in Nigeria remains significant.
