The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, reported 39 confirmed cases of Mpox across 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in 2024, with no fatalities.
The NCDC’s situation report for weeks 29-32, released on Monday, August 19, 2024, notes that the virus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated items such as clothing and bedding.
“Person-to-person spread of Mpox occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infected human or materials contaminated with the virus,” the NCDC stated.
Ogun State reported the highest number of suspected cases at 141, followed by Lagos with 95 cases, and Bayelsa with 87 cases. Among confirmed cases, Bayelsa led with five, while Enugu and Cross River each reported four confirmed cases.
The suspected cases are as follows: Kebbi 19, Ondo 18, Anambra 18, FCT 17, Benue 17, Rivers 10, Nasarawa 14, Plateau 11, Adamawa 11, Abia 10, Zamfara 7, Edo 6, Ebonyi 6, Taraba 5, Kano 5, Oyo 4, Gombe 4, Kogi 4, Jigawa 3, Kwara 3, Katsina 2, Bauchi 2, Sokoto 1 and Kaduna 1.
The 2024 data shows a significant decrease in suspected and confirmed cases compared to previous years. For instance, in 2023, there were 1,182 suspected cases and 98 confirmed cases, resulting in two deaths and a 2.0% case fatality rate. In contrast, 2024 has seen 786 suspected cases with a 0.0% case fatality rate.
The NCDC continues to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent further spread of the virus. The agency also highlighted the importance of maintaining hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials.
Meanwhile, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention last week, officially classified the Mpox outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security.
The agency which made the declaration last Wednesday said the decision became imperative with 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths already recorded across 13 African countries in 2024 alone.
The Africa CDC said that Mpox is a crisis demanding Africans’ collective action, and that it is activating resources, partnerships, and leading coordinated and strategic responses to protect the continent, hence, it called on global partners to join the African continent in the fight.