Mpox: NCDC Confirms 67 Cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 67 cases of Mpox from the 1031 suspected cases recorded in 35 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The centre said the confirmed cases were recorded in 23 States and the FCT.

The states include Akwa Inom (eight), Enugu (eight), Bayelsa (six), Cross River (five), Benue (four), Plateau (four), Delta (four), FCT (three), and Imo (three).

Others are Lagos (three), Rivers (two), Abia (two), Osun (2), Anambra (two), and Ogun (two), while Kaduna, Gombe, Edo, Ebonyi Niger, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Oyo and Zamfara all recorded one case each.
The director-general of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, said Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans.

The DG, who stated this yesterday at a press briefing on Mpox and other diseases in Abuja, said Mpox is endemic in parts of Africa, especially in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.
He said transmission from animals can occur through contact with infected animals, such as monkeys, squirrels, and rodents, or their body fluids. He adds that human-to-human transmission is primarily through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated materials.

Dr Jide said Mpox presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to other body parts.
To prevent the spread of Mpox, NCDC has urged the public to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals in affected areas.

Meanwhile, the NCDC has alerted the states presently affected by flooding on the risk of disease outbreaks.

The organisation highlighted the potential for spreading waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea in the aftermath of the floods.

Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, who stated this during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, emphasised the need for a preventive approach to handling the potential health crises that could follow the flooding.

He said, “People often focus on containing the immediate cause of floods, but the consequences, including diseases, come later and must be addressed proactively.”

The NCDC boss, however, revealed that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is set to hold an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting with the NCDC and other relevant agencies to strategise on managing the potential health risks.

Dr. Idris also provided an update on Lassa fever and meningitis outbreaks. He reported a downward trend in cases of both diseases but warned of a possible resurgence as they are seasonal.

From January 1 to August 25, 2024, Nigeria recorded 7,973 suspected cases and 982 confirmed cases of Lassa fever across 28 states and 127 local government areas. A total of 168 deaths were reported from the disease, though no fatalities occurred between August 19 and August 25.

Regarding cerebrospinal meningitis, Dr Idris revealed that 4,915 suspected cases had been reported during the 2023/2024 season, resulting in 361 deaths across 24 states.

The most affected age group was children aged 5-14, with males accounting for 60 percent of the cases. Yobe, Bauchi, Jigawa, Katsina, and Gombe were the hardest-hit states, collectively accounting for 93 percent of reported cases.

The DG stressed the need for heightened vigilance and preparation, citing a 157 per cent increase in meningitis cases compared to the previous season.

He urged states to adopt precautionary measures to prevent further outbreaks as the rainy season continues to pose health risks.