NCDC SAYS NIGERIA HAS RECORDED 67 CONFIRMED CASES OF MPOX IN 23 STATES AND THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY 11-09-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, says Nigeria has recorded 67 confirmed cases of Mpox in 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja.
Dr. Idris said Eight confirmed Mpox cases were recorded in Akwa-Ibom and Enugu States; Six in Bayelsa; Five in Cross River; Four were recorded in Benue, Plateau and Delta States; Three in the Federal Capital Territory, Imo and Lagos States.
Others are Two confirmed cases recorded in Rivers, Abia, Osun, Anambra and Ogun states; while One confirmed Mpox case had been recorded in Kaduna, Gombe, Edo, Niger, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Oyo and Zamfara states .
Dr Jide Idris, who said the confirmed cases emanated from the 1,031 suspected cases, maintained that the agency was optimising surveillance in the states to ensure accurate detection.
We have laboratories across the country but not all of them have the same capabilities to test Mpox. So, we are optimising our laboratories to detect so that we don’t have to carry samples across states. We are also involved in awareness creation.”
According to the NCDC, Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic disease which could be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans with symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash on the body.
It warned that individuals should avoid physical contact with infected animals or persons, practice frequent handwashing with soap and water and ensure that animal food products are thoroughly cooked before eating.