By Leshi James
Nigeria has recorded eight new cases of Mpox in one week.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said it actively coordinates the response to the mpox outbreak through its National Mpox multi-sectoral and multi-partner Emergency Operation Centre.
This collaborative effort involves various stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach. The response encompasses surveillance and reporting of suspected and confirmed cases nationwide, providing guidance and support for case management, conducting public awareness campaigns, and partnering with state governments, health agencies, and partners.
Since the beginning of this year’s outbreak, Nigeria has reported 1,339 suspected cases and 102 confirmed cases.
The disease has spread widely across the country.
Sky News reports that at least 1,000 deaths from Mpox have been reported across Africa as of last week, prompting the World Health Organisation to declare the increasing spread of the disease a global health emergency for the second time in two years.
Most of the cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has seen a total of 5,399 cases and 25 deaths in 2024 up to 15 September.
WHO said 18 out of 55 African countries are battling outbreaks of the viral illness.
Mpox occurs mainly in central and western Africa. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was first identified in laboratory monkeys.
According to the CDC, no treatment is explicitly approved for Mpox infections.
However, a two-dose vaccine has been developed to protect against the virus.
Mpox can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
The WHO says Mpox spreads from contact with infected persons through touch, kissing, or sex; from animals, when hunting, skinning, or cooking them; and from materials, such as contaminated sheets, clothes or needles.
It advises that if you have Mpox, tell anyone you have been close to recently; stay at home until all scabs fall off and a new layer of skin forms; cover lesions and wear a well-fitting mask around other people; and avoid physical contact.
