The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has revealed new details regarding the Mpox outbreak in its week 34 situation report, published on August 25. This report, which was made available on the agency’s official website, provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing Mpox situation in the country. ..Read Full Article
According to the NCDC, a total of 48 confirmed Mpox cases have been documented out of a pool of 868 suspected cases. These cases span across 35 local government areas in 19 states, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The states affected include Lagos, which has reported one confirmed case; Rivers with two cases; Bayelsa with six cases; Abia with one case; Delta with two cases; Imo with one case; Edo with one case; and the FCT with two cases. Other states. reporting confirmed cases are Anambra (two), Cross River (five), Plateau (two), Akwa Ibom (four), Nasarawa (one), Oyo (one), Kaduna (one), Ebonyi (one), Benue (three), Enugu (eight), Osun (two), Kebbi (one), and Zamfara (one).
The report indicates that there have been no fatalities associated with Mpox in Nigeria this year, underscoring the country’s efforts to manage and contain the outbreak effectively. However, the report also highlights a notable increase in suspected cases within the last week. Specifically, 57 new suspected cases were reported in epidemiological week 34, a significant rise compared to the 25 cases recorded in the previous week (week 33).
Similarly, the number of confirmed cases has also increased, with eight new cases reported in week 34, up from just one confirmed case in week 33.
In total, at least 20 states and the FCT have reported at least one confirmed Mpox case, affecting 35 local government areas in 2024. The age distribution of the cumulative confirmed cases reveals that Mpox is affecting a broad age range. Among those infected, 17 cases were recorded in children aged 0-10 years, seven cases among individuals aged 11-20 years, nine cases among those aged 21-30 years, eight cases in the 31-40 year age group, and seven cases among those aged 41-50 years. This data indicates that Mpox does not discriminate by age, affecting both young children and adults alike.
Mpox, also known as monkey pox, is a viral disease that can infect both humans and animals. It is primarily transmitted through close contact with an infected person or animal, including during sexual interactions. The disease presents with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and can lead to a range of complications, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.
The NCDC has continued to emphasize the importance of public awareness and preventive measures in combating the mpox outbreak. These measuryesinclude avoiding close contact with infected individuals,practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical attention promptly if symptoms develop.
Additionally, the agency has called for increased surveillance and reporting of suspected cases to ensure timely interventions.
As the situation evolves, the NCDC is expected to provide regular updates and guidance to the public and healthcare providers. The agency’s efforts, combined with the support from international partners, aim to prevent further spread of the disease and protect the health of Nigerians. With continued vigilance and cooperation from all stakeholders, it is hoped that the Mpox outbreak in Nigeria can be brought under control, minimizing its impact on affected communities……Read Full Article