55 Mpox Cases Confirmed in 21 States and FCT, Says NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 55 cases of monkeypox (Mpox) across the country.

According to the NCDC’s report on its official website, these cases stem from 935 suspected incidents across 39 local government areas in 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). No deaths have been recorded so far this year. Out of the confirmed cases, 70% were male and 30% female.

The age breakdown shows:

19 cases in children aged 0-10,
8 cases in the 11-20 age range,
12 cases in adults aged 21-30,
8 cases in the 31-40 age group,
7 cases in individuals aged 41-50,
1 case in someone over 50 years old.

Mpox Cases by State

Enugu: 8 cases
Bayelsa: 6 cases
Akwa-Ibom: 6 cases
Cross River: 5 cases
Delta: 3 cases
Benue: 3 cases
Plateau: 3 cases
Osun: 2 cases
Imo: 2 cases
FCT: 2 cases
Anambra: 2 cases
Rivers: 2 cases
Abia: 2 cases

One case each was also confirmed in Lagos, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Edo, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Oyo, Kaduna, and Niger.

Since 2017, Nigeria has reported 4,752 suspected Mpox cases, with 1,141 confirmed across 35 states and the FCT, resulting in 17 fatalities, primarily among males.

National Response to the Mpox Outbreak

The NCDC continues to lead the country’s response through the National Mpox Emergency Operation Centre, coordinating efforts with multiple partners.

Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It has similarities to smallpox but is generally less severe. The disease can spread between animals and humans, as well as between people through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated items.

Global Outbreak Response

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Mpox a global public health emergency in August. The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention also designated it a public health emergency of continental concern. Although the Democratic Republic of Congo is at the heart of the African outbreak, Mpox has been reported in at least 13 African countries, with Guinea recently confirming its first case. The virus has also been detected in Pakistan, the Philippines, Sweden, and Thailand.