The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has observed a notable reduction in the number of suspected and confirmed Mpox cases within the country over the past month.
This update was provided on Monday through the NCDC’s official website.
Mpox is a contagious viral disease that can impact both humans and animals. It manifests through symptoms such as a blistering rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
The condition is generally mild, with most individuals recovering within a few weeks without the need for medical intervention.
In its most recent report, the public health agency revealed that 51 new suspected Mpox cases were recorded between Epidemiological, Epi weeks 29 to 32 of 2024.
The NCDC noted that this represents a significant reduction from the 102 cases reported in the preceding four-week period, Epi Weeks 25–28.
The latest cases were documented across 26 Local Government Areas in 18 states.
Out of the newly reported suspected cases, two were confirmed positive, with one case each in Ebonyi and Enugu states.
This also marks a decrease from the seven confirmed cases reported during the previous four-week period.
“The following outlined case definitions for suspected mpox case are an acute illness with fever 38.3°C, intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, and myalgia.
“Intense asthenia follows one to three days later by a progressively developing rash often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body,” the NCDC stated.
A probable case is defined as one that aligns with the clinical case definition but lacks laboratory confirmation while having an epidemiological link to a confirmed case.
“A confirmed case is a clinically compatible case that is laboratory-confirmed.
“Contact is any person who has been in direct or indirect contact with a confirmed case since the onset of symptoms,” the agency added.
The NCDC further reported that in 2024 alone, Mpox had been confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory affecting 30 Local Government Areas.
“Since the resurgence of mpox in Nigeria in September 2017, the country has seen a cumulative total of 4,603 suspected cases, with 1,125 confirmed cases, 24.4 per cent, across 35 states and the FCT.
“The disease has disproportionately affected males, who account for approximately 70 per cent of confirmed cases.
“Seventeen deaths have been recorded since 2017,” the NCDC highlighted.
The Case Fatality Rate for Mpox is calculated based on confirmed cases only.
To mitigate the spread of Mpox, the NCDC advised the public to avoid close contact with individuals displaying symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions.
“Practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
“Wear protective gear (gloves, masks) when caring for someone with suspected or confirmed Mpox.
“Avoid contact with animals that may harbour the virus, such as rodents and primates, especially in areas where Mpox is known to occur.
“Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption,” the agency advised.
Healthcare providers were urged to remain vigilant for patients presenting with fever, rash, and other Mpox symptoms, particularly those with a history of travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases.
“Promptly isolate suspected cases to prevent transmission within healthcare settings. Notify the relevant public health authorities immediately upon identifying a suspected case.
“Educate patients on the importance of reporting symptoms early and adhering to isolation guidelines if diagnosed with Mpox,” the NCDC emphasized.
The agency also noted that the National Mpox Technical Working Group, which consists of multi-sectoral and multi-partner teams, continues to monitor and respond to the outbreak across the country.
Nigerians were encouraged to stay vigilant and follow public health guidelines, especially in states currently impacted by the disease.
