The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention announced that there have been 39 confirmed cases of mpox and no deaths in Nigeria across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2024.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, revealed this information during a press conference in Abuja.
Additionally, a total of 5,951 suspected cases and 176 deaths have been reported in 36 states and the FCT as of August 11, 2024.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control declared a public health emergency due to the mpox outbreak on the continent, with a significant impact in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
There have been 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths in 13 African countries in 2024.
“In Nigeria, cumulatively, a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 33 States and the FCT, from the beginning of the year 2024. Bayelsa (16), Cross River (5), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3) leading the pack.
“Noting the significant concern of the ease of cross-border transmission, this press conference is part of the effort to intensify our coordination and communication with stakeholders to manage the spread of the virus and prevent disease importation,” Idris pointed out.
Dr Idris emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to prevent the spread of the virus and highlighted the risk of cross-border transmission.
Mpox is a rare viral disease that is believed to be transmitted to humans from animals through direct contact or consumption of infected bushmeat.
Person-to-person transmission can also occur through contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.
