The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 39 confirmed cases of mpox and zero deaths across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the beginning of 2024. Additionally, 5,951 suspected cholera cases and 176 deaths have been recorded across 36 states and the FCT as of August 11, 2024.
The NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja, highlighting the growing concern of mpox transmission across Africa. The Africa Centre for Disease Control recently declared a public health emergency due to the outbreak, which has affected 13 African countries, resulting in 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths in 2024.
In Nigeria, the affected states include Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, and Ebonyi. The NCDC has intensified surveillance and coordination with stakeholders to manage the spread of the virus and prevent disease importation.
Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease that can spread from animal to human and human to human. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The NCDC has distributed diagnostic protocols to ports and land borders, putting them on high alert for suspected cases.
