Nigeria has recorded a slight decrease in the number of confirmed mpox cases, according to the latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The NCDC via its official website said that in epidemiological (Epi) week 38 of 2024, the country reported 72 new suspected cases, compared to 71 suspected cases in the previous week (Epi week 37).

The centre also said that three confirmed cases of mpox were recorded in week 38, compared to eight confirmed cases in week 37.

 Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

It shares similarities with smallpox but is generally less severe. Mpox symptoms include fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

The disease spreads from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.

In 2022, the World Health Organisation and other health bodies renamed the disease to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.

The organisation also declared the recent outbreak a public health emergency of international concern after a new variant was identified.

According to the NCDC, the confirmed cases in week 38 were reported in Plateau (2 cases) and Delta (1 case), reflecting a trend of mpox cases being spread across multiple states.

“This brings the total number of confirmed cases for the year 2024 to 1,164 across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Twenty four states are currently reporting at least one confirmed case in recent months” it said.

The NCDC said that since September 2017, Nigeria witnessed 4,997 suspected mpox cases, with 1,164 confirmed cases, making up 23.3 per cent of the suspected cases.

It said that a total of 17 deaths were reported, underscoring the continued public health challenge posed by the disease.

The NCDC report highlighted that mpox cases had been confirmed in 54 Local Government Areas across 24 states.

“States such as Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River contributed significantly to suspected and confirmed cases in recent weeks,” it said.

It noted that the National Mpox multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) remains at the forefront of coordinating the nation’s response, working with various partners to ensure timely identification and management of cases.

As Mpox continues to spread, the NCDC has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant.

Director-General, NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, reiterated the importance of early detection and isolation.

Mr Idris said that healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion, especially in areas with confirmed cases.

“Preventing mpox requires collective action. Nigerians must avoid close contact with individuals displaying symptoms such as fever and rashes, and practice good hand hygiene. Early reporting of symptoms is key to reducing transmission and controlling the outbreak,” Mr Jide said.

The public health agency said that mpox continued to affect both men and women, though men accounted for 68 per cent of confirmed cases in 2024.

“The disease predominantly affects young adults, with the majority of cases occurring in individuals aged 20 to 40 years,” it said.

Despite the decrease in confirmed cases, the NCDC said that it remained cautious; underscoring that mpox was still a public health risk.

It said that the EOC was continuously monitoring the situation, with plans to enhance surveillance in high-risk areas and increase public awareness about preventive measures.

“Though we have seen a reduction in confirmed cases, it is crucial to continue our collective efforts to contain the spread of mpox. Public health messaging, early detection and case management are critical to achieving this,” it said.

The NCDC encouraged the public to follow mpox prevention guidelines, which include avoiding close contact with infected individuals and maintaining strict hygiene practices.

The centre also advised healthcare providers to isolate suspected cases promptly and notify the appropriate authorities for further investigation and management.

As Nigeria battles mpox alongside other public health challenges, the NCDC assured citizens that necessary steps were being taken to protect public health.

While the decline in confirmed cases is a positive sign, continued vigilance and adherence to preventive measures remain vital to curbing the spread of the disease.

At week 35 in 2024, a total of 26,544 cases, including 5,732 confirmed cases and 724 deaths, were reported from 15 African Union member states.

The continent’s case fatality rate stands at 2.73 per cent.

Africa CDC data reveals a 177 per cent surge in mpox cases and a 38.5 percent increase in deaths compared to the same period last year.

Vaccine doses have been delivered to the DRC by the European Union, along with 50,000 doses from the United States.

European nations have pledged several hundred of thousand more doses, while Japan has promised three million doses.

Outside Africa, mpox cases have been detected in countries such as Pakistan, the Philippines, Sweden, and Thailand.

On August 14, WHO declared mpox a global public health emergency due to rising cases of the new Clade 1b strain.

Meanwhile, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has secured 500,000 doses of mpox vaccine to supply African countries impacted by the outbreak.

Also, Nigeria recently received a donation of 10,000 doses of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine from the United States government.

(NAN)