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Mpox Cases in Nigeria Decline Over Four Weeks, Says NCDC

Nigeria’s public health agency, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has announced a significant decline in suspected and confirmed Mpox cases in the country over the past four weeks. According to the NCDC’s official website, 51 new suspected cases were reported between Epidemiological (Epi) weeks 29 to 32 of 2024, a significant drop from the 102 cases reported during the previous four weeks.

Mpox, an infectious viral disease that can affect humans and other animals, is characterized by symptoms such as a rash that forms blisters, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness is usually mild, and most infected individuals recover within a few weeks without treatment.

The NCDC reported that the 51 new suspected cases were recorded across 26 local government areas in 18 states, with two cases confirmed positive in Ebonyi and Enugu. This marked a decrease from the seven confirmed cases recorded in the earlier period.

The NCDC emphasized the importance of public health guidelines to prevent the spread of Mpox, advising the public to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions. Healthcare providers were also urged to be vigilant for patients presenting fever, rash, and other Mpox symptoms, especially if they have a history of travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases.

The National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising multi-sectoral and multi-partner teams, continued its efforts to monitor and respond to the outbreak across the nation. The public health agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines to curb the spread of Mpox, particularly in affected states.

Mpox has been confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2024, affecting 30 local government areas. The Case Fatality Rate for Mpox was calculated based on confirmed cases only.

By following public health guidelines and remaining vigilant, Nigerians can help reduce the spread of Mpox and protect themselves and their communities from this infectious disease.