Kano Confirms 2 Mpox Cases

The Kano State Centre for Disease Control (KNCDC) has confirmed two cases of Mpox in the state. Both patients have fully recovered and been discharged from medical care.

Prof. Muhammad Adamu Abass, Director General of KNCDC, disclosed this during a media parley on Monday, revealing that the cases were recorded in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo Local Government areas.

“We have handled both cases successfully. The patients have been treated and discharged home,” Prof. Abass stated, adding that all traced contacts tested negative for the disease.

He explained that the confirmation comes following an advisory from the National Centre for Disease Control, urging heightened vigilance against potential disease outbreaks, including COVID-19, viral hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola, Lassa fever, Marburg, and Mpox.

Prof. Abass emphasised Kano’s vulnerability as Nigeria’s commercial hub, noting the constant influx and outflow of people. “Even though we don’t have international borders, we border states that do have international boundaries with neighbouring countries, making vigilance highly necessary,” he explained.

“The KNCDC conducted comprehensive contact tracing for the Ungogo case, testing samples from the patient’s community and two hospitals he visited.

“All contacts were monitored for the maximum allowable follow-up period and remained negative, he stated.

The Director General stressed the critical role of public enlightenment in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, calling on media organisations to amplify health communication efforts across communities.

“The media has been our friend even before establishing this centre. With the signing of the bill creating the Kano State Centre for Disease Control, we believe our first major engagement should be with media members,” Prof. Abass said.