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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported a rise in confirmed Mpox cases, with the total now reaching 102 across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory, up from the previous count of 94.
Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC’s Director General, shared the update during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, noting that the agency has intensified efforts to curb the spread of the virus in response to the growing number of cases and the potential for regional transmission.
“We are currently dealing with the Clade IIB variant, which has been circulating in Nigeria. However, we are closely monitoring developments in Cameroon, where both Clade IB and IIB have been reported. We are also increasing surveillance for Clade IB, a more severe strain circulating in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which poses a higher risk of community transmission,” Idris said.
He added that as of October 13, the country had recorded 102 confirmed cases from a total of 1,339 suspected cases, spread across 26 states and the FCT. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported, though vigilance remains critical.
“The recent rise in cases is partly due to enhanced surveillance and improved case detection across the country,” he explained.
Idris highlighted that the NCDC’s response is based on four pillars: stakeholder engagement, strengthened surveillance and diagnostic capacity, community involvement, and targeted vaccination campaigns.
“We are collaborating with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control to roll out 10,000 doses of the Mpox Jynneos vaccine. High-risk groups, such as confirmed case contacts and immunocompromised individuals, will be prioritized in this vaccination drive,” Idris noted.
He identified Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom as priority states for the vaccination campaign due to their significant Mpox burden since 2017.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the Mpox virus. It can spread from animals to humans, though human-to-human transmission is also possible.
The NCDC advised the public to seek medical attention for any rash-related illness and to avoid contact with sick or dead animals and undercooked meat.
