The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 54 new suspected mpox cases in Nigeria during Week 39 of 2024, a decrease from the 75 cases recorded the previous week.
This information was shared in the NCDC’s latest epidemiological report on its official website. The agency noted an increase in confirmed mpox cases, with six new confirmations this week compared to three the week before.
As of now, the cumulative figures for 2024 show 84 confirmed cases and 1,237 suspected cases. Despite the rise in confirmed cases, the country has maintained a low Case Fatality Rate (CFR), with no deaths reported from confirmed cases this year.
The public health agency highlighted that, as of Week 39, 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reported confirmed mpox cases across 57 local government areas. New cases were confirmed in Plateau, Delta, FCT, Katsina, and Imo states in the past week.
Since the outbreak began in September 2017, Nigeria has documented 5,054 suspected cases and 1,170 confirmed cases, with males representing 68 percent of confirmed cases, primarily aged 21 to 45.
The National Mpox Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) continues to lead the response to the outbreak, collaborating with various sectors and partners to contain the spread.
The NCDC emphasized the importance of preventive measures, including avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, practicing good hand hygiene, and using protective gear when caring for suspected cases. Healthcare providers have been urged to remain vigilant in affected areas and to isolate suspected cases promptly to prevent further transmission.
The agency is also actively engaged in public education, encouraging citizens to report symptoms early and follow isolation guidelines if diagnosed with mpox. The public is advised to exercise caution, particularly in states where cases have been reported. Citizens can contact the NCDC’s toll-free number (6232) for more information or to report suspected cases.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe, and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
The disease can spread from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies renamed monkeypox to “mpox” to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.
