In light of the monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak, the Federal Government has stepped up monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points across the country.
Prof Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, revealed these measures in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media & External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control declared a public health emergency concerning the escalating mpox outbreak in various African nations, notably the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a severe and expanding outbreak that has now moved beyond its borders. A novel viral strain, identified in September 2023, has been found outside DRC for the first time.
The World Health Organization highlighted the rapid spread of the new virus strain, clade 1b, primarily through sexual networks in DRC and its detection in neighboring countries, as major concerns leading to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
As of 2024, 2,863 confirmed mpox cases and 517 deaths have been reported across 13 African countries.
In Nigeria, there have been a cumulative total of 39 confirmed cases and zero fatalities in 33 States and the FCT since the beginning of 2024.
Mpox is a rare zoonotic viral disease endemic in several African countries, especially in the rainforests of Central and West Africa. While the exact virus reservoir remains unknown, rodents, squirrels, and monkeys are suspected to be involved in transmission.
The mpox virus can spread from animals to humans and between humans. Direct contact with infected animal blood or body fluids, bites, scratches, handling, or consumption of infected bushmeat can lead to animal-to-human transmission. Human-to-human transmission occurs through contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials like clothing or bedding.
Symptoms of mpox include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that typically appears after a few days of fever. The face, body, palms, soles, and genital areas are commonly affected, with sexual contact being another mode of transmission.
Prof Muhammad Pate stressed the intensified monitoring and screening procedures at entry points in response to the Mpox threat. Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, together with the Nigeria Ports Health Services, have been strengthening national defenses against mpox even before it was declared a public health emergency.
This Clade 1 strain of Mpox has resulted in up to 10% fatality rates during prior outbreaks. Efforts are focused on combating and mitigating its impact by implementing measures akin to those used in managing the COVID-19 pandemic,” he emphasized.
Additionally, a new requirement mandates all travelers to complete an online health declaration form before entering Nigeria.
Infectious disease centers have been activated in every state and the Federal Capital Territory as part of these initiatives,” Prof Muhammad Pate added.
The public is advised to maintain good hygiene practices, including regular hand washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, especially after coming into contact with infected individuals or animals.