NCDC Confirms Spread of Mpox Across 33 States
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced on Thursday that the country has recorded 39 confirmed cases of mpox since the beginning of 2024. Health officials identified cases across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Fortunately, the outbreak has not resulted in any reported deaths. The Director General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, revealed these statistics during a press conference in Abuja, highlighting the ongoing efforts to manage the spread of the virus.
Cholera Outbreak Claims 176 Lives
In addition to the mpox outbreak, Nigeria is grappling with a significant cholera outbreak. As of August 11, 2024, the country has recorded 5,951 suspected cases of cholera, resulting in 176 deaths across all 36 states and the FCT. The NCDC has intensified its surveillance and response efforts to control the spread of cholera, particularly in affected regions. The agency continues to emphasize the importance of hygiene practices and access to clean water to prevent further cases.
Africa Declares Public Health Emergency
The growing mpox outbreak has led the Africa Centre for Disease Control to declare a public health emergency on the continent. The outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has now spread to 13 African countries, resulting in 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths in 2024 alone. A new viral strain, first detected in September 2023, has been identified outside of the DRC for the first time, raising concerns about the potential for further spread.
Mpox Cases in Nigeria: A Breakdown
Dr Idris provided a detailed breakdown of the mpox cases in Nigeria, with Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, and Ebonyi states reporting the highest numbers. Bayelsa leads with 16 cases, followed by Cross River with 5, and Ogun and Lagos with 4 each. The NCDC is working closely with state governments to coordinate efforts in controlling the spread of the virus and preventing cross-border transmission.
Understanding Mpox and Its Transmission
Mpox, a rare viral zoonotic disease, is endemic in several African countries, including Nigeria. The virus can be transmitted from animals to humans and from human to human. Animal-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals. Human-to-human transmission can happen through contact with contaminated materials or close contact with an infected person. The NCDC continues to educate the public on preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Ongoing Efforts to Control the Outbreaks
The NCDC is intensifying its communication and coordination with stakeholders to manage the outbreaks of both mpox and cholera. Efforts include raising awareness about the importance of hygiene, vaccination, and timely medical intervention. The agency remains committed to preventing the importation and further spread of these diseases, ensuring that public health is safeguarded across the nation.
Follow us on Socials:
Twitter
Facebook