Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a decline in number of suspected Mpox cases in the nation.
Gatekeepers News reports that the public health agency confirmed Mpox cases in the nation over the past four weeks through a post on its official website on Monday.
NCDC in its latest data, revealed that fifty-one (51) new suspected cases were reported between Epidemiological (Epi) weeks 29 to 32 of 2024.
It noted that there was a significant drop from 102 cases reported during the previous four weeks (Epi Week 25 to 28) recorded across 26 local government areas (LGAs) in 18 states.
NCDC added that out of the new suspected cases, two were confirmed positive, with one case each reported in Ebonyi and Enugu. It
The agency noted that this also marked a decrease from the seven confirmed cases recorded in the earlier period.
It said, “The following outlined case definitions for suspected mpox cases are an acute illness with a fever of 38.3°C, intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, and myalgia.”
“Intense asthenia follows one to three days later by a progressively developing rash often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body.”
NCDC noted that a probable case is a case that meets clinical case definition, not laboratory-confirmed but has an
epidemiological link to a confirmed case.
It said, “A confirmed case is a clinically compatible case that is laboratory-confirmed.”
“Contact is any person who has been in direct or indirect contact with a confirmed case since the onset of symptoms.”
The agency further revealed that in 2024 alone, pox had been confirmed in 19 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and affected 30 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
It said, “Since the resurgence of mpox in Nigeria in September 2017, the country has seen a cumulative total of 4,603 suspected cases, with 1,125 confirmed cases (24.4%) across 35 states and the FCT.”
“The disease has disproportionately affected males, who account for approximately 70% of confirmed cases.”
“Seventeen deaths have been recorded since 2017.”
NCDC revealed that the Case Fatality Rate for Mpox was calculated based on confirmed cases only.
Going on, NCDC advised the public to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions to prevent the spread of Mpox.
It said, “Practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.”
“Wear protective gear (gloves, masks) when caring for someone with suspected or confirmed Mpox.”
“Avoid contact with animals that may harbour the virus, such as rodents and primates, especially in areas where Mpox is known to occur.”
“Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption.”
The agency further urged healthcare providers to be vigilant for patients presenting fever, rash, and other mpox symptoms, especially if they have a history of travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases.
It said, “Promptly isolate suspected cases to prevent transmission within healthcare settings. Notify the relevant public health authorities immediately upon identifying a suspected case.”
“Educate patients on the importance of reporting symptoms early and adhering to isolation guidelines if diagnosed with mpox.”
NCDC noted that National mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising multi-sectoral and multi-partner teams is still working on efforts to monitor and respond to the outbreak across the nation.
It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines to curb the spread of Mpox, particularly in affected states.
