The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a notable decrease in confirmed Mpox cases for the week of August 12-18, 2024.
According to the NCDC’s latest update on its official website, the number of confirmed cases has declined compared to the previous week.
Science Nigeria reports that Mpox, formerly known as Monkeypox, has been an ongoing challenge in Nigeria. Historically, the country has managed sporadic cases, but the current outbreak has intensified the urgency of the situation.
Mpox, caused by the monkeypox virus, is a zoonotic illness, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans and spread between humans.
The NCDC reported only one confirmed case this week from Akwa Ibom State, down from two cases the previous week. Additionally, the agency noted that 15 new suspected cases were reported in week 33, an increase from the 12 suspected cases reported the previous week. These cases were distributed across five states and eight local government areas.
“As of week 33, the cumulative number of confirmed Mpox cases for 2024 stands at 40, with no new deaths reported this week. Since September 2017, there have been 1,125 confirmed cases and 17 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 1.5 per cent. The disease has been reported in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), spanning 30 local government areas,” the report stated.
Since the start of Mpox surveillance in Nigeria, a total of 4,603 suspected cases have been reported from 36 states and the FCT, with 1,125 confirmed cases. Males represent approximately 70 percent of the confirmed cases.
The NCDC highlighted that its National Mpox Multi-Sectoral and Multi-Partner Technical Working Group continues to lead response efforts, focusing on enhancing surveillance and strategies to control the virus’s spread.
The agency advised Nigerians to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, practice good hand hygiene, and use protective gear when dealing with suspected cases. Healthcare workers were urged to remain vigilant, promptly isolate suspected cases, and notify public health authorities.
For further information or to report suspected cases, the public can contact the NCDC through the following channels:
– Toll-Free Number: 6232
– SMS: 08099555577
– WhatsApp: 07087110839
– Website: www.ncdc.gov.ng
http://www.ncdc.gov.ng
The NCDC also confirmed 40 Mpox cases out of 830 suspected cases reported nationwide, with higher numbers in the south-south, south-east, Lagos, Ogun, and some northern states. The agency is distributing diagnostic tools, issuing public advisories, and considering vaccination for high-risk groups due to a new, more virulent strain of the virus.
Efforts will focus on reducing case numbers and enhancing laboratory testing capabilities, with testing expanding to additional facilities such as NIMA, LUTH and the African Centre for Genomics.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has rated Nigeria’s risk level for Mpox as moderate, emphasising the need for continued vigilance. The WHO has pledged support to strengthen public health measures in Nigeria.
Racheal Abujah
