The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced eight new confirmed cases of Monkey pox, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 48. This development follows a series of suspected cases across 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with a total of 868 suspected cases being recorded so far.
The outbreak has now reached 35 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 19 states, along with the FCT, each reporting at least one confirmed case. The situation appears to be escalating, as there was a significant rise in confirmed cases in week 34. The NCDC reported eight new confirmed cases during this period, a sharp increase from the single case reported in week 33. This notable surge indicates that the disease is spreading more rapidly across the country.
The NCDC’s Monkey pox situation report, which was published on the agency’s website on Friday, provides further insights into the outbreak. It highlights the fact that, so far, no deaths have been recorded from the outbreak. This is a positive sign, showing that while the disease is spreading, it has not yet resulted in fatalities. The NCDC continues to monitor the situation closely and is providing regular updates on the outbreak’s status.
According to the report, “Lagos recorded (one), Rivers (two), Bayelsa (six), Abia (one), Delta (two), Imo (one), Edo (one), FCT (two), Anambra (two), Cross River (five) cases.” Additional states affected include Plateau with two cases, Akwa Ibom with four, Nasarawa, Oyo, Kaduna, Ebonyi, and Kebbi with one each, Benue with three, Enugu with eight, Osun with two, and Zamfara with one confirmed case.
The report also clarified that “57 new suspected cases were reported in Epi week 34, 2024, compared with 25 cases reported in the previous week (Epi week 33).” This indicates a more than two-fold increase in suspected cases, which is concerning and suggests that the outbreak is not yet under control. The report further added that eight confirmed cases were reported in week 34, compared to just one in week 33.
The spread of Monkey pox has been widespread across different regions and demographics in Nigeria. The data provided by the NCDC shows that at least 20 states and the FCT have reported confirmed cases spread across 35 LGAs in 2024. The age distribution of confirmed cases is also varied. According to the NCDC, 17 confirmed cases have been reported among children aged 0-10, seven cases among those aged 11-20, nine cases among people aged 21-30, eight cases in the 31-40 age group, and seven cases among those aged 41-50. This spread across various age groups indicates that the disease is affecting a wide range of the population, emphasizing the need for comprehensive public health strategies to combat its spread.
In response to the ongoing outbreak, Nigeria received 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine last week. The vaccine was a donation from the United States government, aimed at helping Nigeria combat the spread of Monkey pox. The Jynneos vaccine, which has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of both smallpox and Monkey pox in adults at risk, was officially handed over to the Nigerian government during a ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday. This donation is part of a broader international effort to curb the spread of the disease in Nigeria and across the African continent.
In addition to the vaccine donation, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has reinforced its stance on Monkey pox, declaring it a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS). This declaration follows a reported 160% increase in Monkey pox cases across Africa this year. The Africa CDC’s declaration underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts to prevent further spread of the disease.
The rising number of cases and the international response highlight the importance of continued vigilance and public health efforts in Nigeria. While the NCDC and other health authorities are actively monitoring the situation and providing updates, the increase in cases suggests that more needs to be done to prevent further spread. Public awareness campaigns, increased testing, and vaccination efforts are critical to containing the outbreak.
As the situation develops, the NCDC is urging the public to remain vigilant and to take precautions to protect themselves from infection. This includes following guidelines on hygiene and avoiding close contact with individuals who are suspected or confirmed to have Monkey pox. The agency is also working closely with international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa CDC, to coordinate response efforts and ensure that resources are available to combat the outbreak effectively.
The confirmation of eight new Monkey pox cases by the NCDC last week is a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing public health challenge. With a total of 48 confirmed cases out of 868 suspected cases, the outbreak continues to spread across multiple states and local government areas. The increase in cases in week 34, compared to previous weeks, suggests that the situation could worsen if not managed properly. However, the recent donation of vaccines and the international support Nigeria is receiving provide some hope that the outbreak can be controlled. The NCDC and other health authorities remain committed to monitoring the situation and providing regular updates to keep the public informed and safe.
