Monkeypox is rapidly spreading across Nigeria, with the virus now confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), 40 cases have been officially confirmed, with the virus affecting 30 local government areas nationwide.
The states hardest hit include Bayelsa with 5 cases, while Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Cross River each report 4 cases. Benue follows closely with 3 cases. Other affected states include the FCT, Delta, Anambra, Rivers, Plateau, Nasarawa, Lagos, Zamfara, Kebbi, Oyo, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, and Osun.
In addition to the confirmed cases, the NCDC reports 802 suspected cases across 33 states, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. This alarming situation comes just as the United States prepares to donate 10,000 doses of Mpox vaccines to Nigeria—a timely and crucial support. This move aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC) declaring Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International and Continental Concern (PHEIC/PHECC).
The NCDC's latest data, as of August 19, 2024, marks the start of the 34th week of the year, and thankfully, no deaths have been reported in Nigeria due to the virus this year.
On a broader scale, the African continent is grappling with 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths linked to the Mpox outbreak in 2024. A new, more aggressive strain of the virus has emerged from Eastern Congo, spreading to countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
As the situation evolves, the NCDC urges all Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere to health guidelines to curb the spread of this virus.
