The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported no death occurrence from Mpox in 2024.
The milestone is viewed as a positive turn compared to the two and seven deaths recorded in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
But, infection rates remain as record shows that it is mostly men disproportionately affected by the disease.
Data from the NCDC shows that 67% of Mpox cases recorded in 2024 have been among males.
Since the first confirmed cases in 2017, men have accounted for nearly 70% of the 6,001 suspected and confirmed Mpox cases nationwide.
So far in 2024, 1,031 suspected cases have been reported across 47 local government areas in 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 67 confirmed cases.
In addition, children under five are the most affected age group while men in the 26-30 and 46-50 age brackets follow closely.
To further curb the spread, Nigeria recently received a donation of 10,000 doses of the Jynneos Mpox vaccine from the U.S., complementing global efforts led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to contain the outbreak, which remains most severe in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Causes of Mpox
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the virus responsible for smallpox.
It is typically transmitted from animals to humans, with rodents and primates being common carriers.
The disease can spread through close physical contact, exposure to respiratory droplets, or contact with contaminated materials, such as bedding or clothing.
It can also be contracted through the consumption of undercooked meat from infected animals or contact with their blood and bodily fluids.
Effects and symptoms of Mpox
After an incubation period of 5-21 days, the symptoms of Mpox typically begin with:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
Precautions for Mpox
To minimize the risk of Mpox infection, the following precautions are advised:
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals, particularly if they have open sores or visible rashes.
- Practice good hygiene including regular hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid contact with wild animals or their bodily fluids, especially in areas where Mpox is prevalent. Consumption of wild animal meat should be also avoided or thoroughly cooked.
- Use personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, when caring for infected individuals or handling potentially contaminated materials.
- Receiving the Jynneos or other approved vaccines can offer protection against Mpox, particularly for those at high risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers or individuals in outbreak areas.
