Mpox: Nigeria Records Cases in 33 States as WHO declares Global Emergency

The Director-General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Jide Idris, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, announced that Mpox cases have been detected in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, and Ebonyi having the highest numbers.

Additionally, states like Lagos, Enugu, Kano, and Rivers have been placed on high alert. This development is coming shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern” because of a sharp rise in cases in Africa.

Idris also explained that the national mpox technical working group (TWG) within the NCDC is leading the response efforts. He added that government has stepped up surveillance across the country to quickly identify and manage new cases, especially at airports, seaports, and land borders.

To further prevent the spread, diagnostic procedures have been put in place at these locations, port health officers are on alert to screen travelers for possible mpox infections. Travelers who have been to countries with recent mpox outbreaks in the last 90 days will need to declare their travel history.

He said NCDC is considering vaccinating high-risk groups and expects to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine, which protects against mpox. Hospitals across Nigeria, both public and private, have been informed about the outbreak, and a list of isolation and treatment centers has been shared.

While responding to the mpox outbreak with increased surveillance and vaccination plans, the NCDC is also dealing with a cholera outbreak that is affecting many people, especially young children.