The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, reports that the number of suspected and confirmed Mpox cases in the country has decreased during the last four weeks.
The NCDC published the announcement on its official website on Monday.
Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can affect humans and animals.
Symptoms include a blister-forming rash, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes.
The Mpox infection is usually minor, and most affected people recover in a few weeks without therapy.
According to the latest data from the Public Health Ministry, 51 new suspected cases were reported during Epidemiological (Epi) weeks 29 and 32 in 2024.
According to the NCDC, this represents a considerable decrease from the 102 cases reported in the prior four weeks (Epi Week 25 to 28).
Mpox cases were reported in 26 local government areas across 18 states, according to the agency. Two of the additional suspected cases were proven positive, with one each in Ebonyi and Enugu.
It went on to say that this was a drop from the previous period when seven confirmed cases were registered.
“The following outlined case definitions for suspected Mpox cases are an acute illness with a fever of 38.3°C, intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, and myalgia.
“Intense asthenia is followed 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.
It defined a likely case as one that fulfils the clinical case criteria but has an epidemiological relationship to a verified 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 stated.
According to the NCDC, Mpox was confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2024, affecting 30 local governments.
It stated that the Case Fatality Rate for Mpox was determined solely on confirmed cases.
To prevent the spread of Mpox, the NCDC urged the public to avoid close contact with anyone who was exhibiting symptoms, especially those who had rashes or skin lesions.
It advised healthcare personnel to be cautious of patients who exhibit fever, rash, and other Mpox symptoms, particularly if they have a history of travel to impacted areas or contact with suspected cases.
According to the NCDC, the National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), which is made up of multi-sectoral and multi-partner teams, is still working to monitor and respond to the epidemic nationwide.
The public health agency advised Nigerians to be attentive and follow public health standards to help prevent the spread of Mpox, particularly in impacted states.
Also Read:
Yobe Chief Judge pardons 7 inmates, grants bail to 14 others
Be civil with our traders – Gov Abiodun appeals to customs over invasion of markets
Anambra: Fire guts 2 shops in Mgbuka Obosi Market
cc: Daily Post Ng
