Mpox has now spread across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, affecting 63 local government areas in Nigeria, as stated by the latest situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC.
The report, covering the period from January 1 to October 6, 2024, disclosed 94 confirmed cases out of 1,297 suspected cases of Mpox across the country. In the latest epidemiology week (week 40), 47 new suspected cases were reported, down from 67 in the previous week (week 39). However, the number of confirmed cases also dropped, with six new cases in week 40, compared to 10 the week before.
The report highlighted that since September 2017, 5,114 suspected cases have been recorded nationwide, with 1,180 confirmed cases across 35 states and the FCT, resulting in 17 deaths. The disease predominantly affects males, accounting for approximately 70% of confirmed cases. The NCDC continues to coordinate a multi-sectoral response through its Mpox Emergency Operation Centre.
The states with the highest number of confirmed cases in 2024 include Cross River (11), Lagos (10), Plateau (8), Enugu (8), and Akwa Ibom (8). Other states with confirmed cases include Delta (6), Bayelsa (6), FCT (5), Imo (4), and Benue (4), among others.
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Ogun State leads the number of suspected cases with 222, followed by Lagos (153), Bayelsa (125), Cross River (84), and Akwa Ibom (65). Other states like Enugu, Osun, and Delta also reported significant numbers of suspected cases.
The age distribution of confirmed cases shows that individuals aged 21-30 are the most affected, with 25 cases, followed by 0-10 years (24 cases), and 11-20 years (15 cases).
Credible News recalls that in August, the Africa Centre for Disease Control had declared a public health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak on the continent. The outbreak has swept through several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo. There is a serious and growing outbreak in Congo that has now expanded outside the country.
Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (i.e., disease of animals transmitted from animals to humans) that is endemic in several African countries including the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.
The exact reservoir of the virus is still unknown, although rodents, squirrels, and monkeys are suspected to play a part in transmission.
The NCDC continues to monitor the situation closely as efforts to contain the spread of Mpox are ongoing.
Credible News.ng
