The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced on Thursday that Nigeria has confirmed 39 cases of Mpox across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2024, with no recorded deaths. Additionally, there have been 5,951 suspected cases of cholera and 176 deaths across 36 states and the FCT as of August 11, 2024.
During a press conference in Abuja, Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, highlighted the public health emergency declared by the Africa Centre for Disease Control due to the growing Mpox outbreak on the continent, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This outbreak, driven by a new viral strain first identified in September 2023, has now spread beyond the DRC, affecting 13 African countries with 2,863 confirmed Mpox cases and 517 deaths reported in 2024 alone.
“In Nigeria, a total of 39 confirmed Mpox cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 33 states and the FCT since the start of 2024, with Bayelsa and Cross River each reporting five cases, and Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, and Ebonyi also significantly affected,” Dr. Idris stated.
Dr. Idris emphasized the need for increased coordination and communication to manage the spread of the virus and prevent cross-border transmission. Mpox, a zoonotic viral disease, is endemic in several African countries, particularly in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. The virus can spread from animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals and from person to person through contact with the virus from an infected individual or contaminated materials.
Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads to other body parts. Human-to-human transmission can occur through contact during sexual activities.
Dr. Idris noted that the National Mpox Technical Working Group is actively coordinating response efforts. Surveillance has been intensified across Nigeria, with all port health services and several states, including Lagos and Abuja, on high alert for suspected cases. The NCDC is also conducting contact tracing and monitoring confirmed cases.
In terms of vaccination, Nigeria expects to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine to protect high-risk groups.
On the cholera front, Dr. Idris reported 5,951 suspected cases and 176 deaths across Nigeria, with a case fatality rate of 3.0 percent as of August 11, 2024. The outbreak is particularly affecting children under five years old. Contributing factors include open defecation and contaminated water sources. The NCDC plans to enhance prevention strategies and case management to mitigate the outbreak. The number of cholera cases is expected to fluctuate but could continue until Epidemic Week 37, aligning with previous outbreak patterns.
