The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 55 confirmed cases of monkeypox (Mpox) in Nigeria.
This was revealed on the agency’s official website, noting that these cases were identified from 935 suspected cases spread across 39 local government areas in 21 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the NCDC, no deaths have been recorded from the disease this year. The report also highlights that 70% of the confirmed cases are males, while 30% are females.
The age distribution of the cases was detailed, with the majority occurring in children and young adults.
“Nineteen cases were recorded in ages 0-10, eight in ages 11-20, and twelve in ages 21-30,” the agency noted. Additional cases included eight in ages 31-40, seven in ages 41-50, and one case in an individual aged 50 and above.
The breakdown of confirmed cases includes eight from Enugu, six from Bayelsa, six from Akwa Ibom, and five from Cross River. States with fewer cases include Delta (3), Benue (3), Plateau (3), Osun (2), Imo (2), and FCT (2). Other states such as Lagos, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Edo, and Oyo each recorded one case.
The NCDC explained, “Since September 2017, 4,752 suspected cases of Mpox have been reported across 36 states and the FCT, with 1,141 confirmed cases and 17 deaths. Males are predominantly affected, making up 70% of the cases.”
The agency assured that the National Mpox multi-sectoral Emergency Operation Centre continues to coordinate responses across the country, working with multiple partners to manage the outbreak.
Mpox, a viral disease similar to smallpox, is characterized by fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. It can spread from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a global public health emergency in August, and the Africa Centre for Disease Control also recognized the outbreak as a public health emergency of continental significance.
Mpox has affected several African countries, with the Democratic Republic of Congo being the epicenter. Recently, the virus was also detected in non-African countries, including Pakistan, Sweden, and Thailand.
