NCDC Reports Lower Mpox Cases In Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced a decrease in both suspected and confirmed Mpox cases across the country over the last four weeks.

The NCDC disclosed this through a statement posted on its website on Monday.

In its latest data, the Centre said 51 new suspected cases were reported between Epidemiological (Epi) weeks 29 to 32 of 2024.

According to the NCDC, there was a significant drop from the 102 cases reported during the previous four weeks (Epi Weeks 25–28), adding that these cases were recorded across 26 local government areas in 18 states.

The agency said that out of the new suspected cases, two were confirmed positive, with one case each reported in Ebonyi and Enugu.

It added that this also marked a decrease from the seven confirmed cases recorded prior to the period.

“The following outlined case definitions for suspected mpox case are an acute illness with fever 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,” it said.

NCDC described a probable case as a case that meets the clinical case definition, not laboratory-confirmed but has an epidemiological link to a confirmed case.

“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,” it said.

It highlighted that in 2024 alone, mpox had been confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affecting 30 local government areas.

“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 per cent) across 35 states and the FCT.

“The disease has disproportionately affected males, who account for approximately 70 per cent of confirmed cases. Seventeen deaths have been recorded since 2017,” the NCDC said.

It also said that the Case Fatality Rate for Mpox was calculated based on confirmed cases only and that to prevent the spread of the disease, the NCDC advised the public to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions.

“Practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

“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,” NCDC counselled.

It further urged healthcare providers to be vigilant for patients presenting fever, rash, and other Mpox related symptoms, especially if they have a history of travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases.

“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,” it said.

The NCDC announced that the National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), which includes teams from various sectors and partners, is actively monitoring and addressing the outbreak nationwide.

The public health agency called on Nigerians to stay alert and follow public health guidelines to prevent the spread of Mpox, especially in the areas most affected.