Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 15, 2024 12 hours, 24 minutes ago
Medical News: Mpox, a viral disease similar to smallpox, is rapidly spreading across Nigeria, now affecting 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). As of October 6, 2024, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported that Mpox has spread to 63 local government areas (LGAs), with a total of 1,297 suspected cases since the start of the year. Out of these, 94 cases have been confirmed.
94 confirmed Mpox cases and 1,297 suspected cases reported in Nigeria
This
Medical News report explores the current situation in Nigeria as the country battles this contagious disease, highlighting key affected regions and efforts being made to control the outbreak.
Weekly Cases
During the 40th week of 2024, 47 new suspected Monkeypox cases were reported, marking a slight decline from the 67 suspected cases recorded in the previous week. Similarly, the number of confirmed cases fell from 10 in Week 39 to six in Week 40. Despite these fluctuations, the spread of Mpox continues to be a major concern, particularly in areas like Cross River and Lagos, which have reported the highest numbers of confirmed cases.
https://ncdc.gov.ng/data
https://ncdc.gov.ng/diseases/sitreps/?cat=8&name=An%20Update%20of%20Monkeypox%20Outbreak%20in%20Nigeria
Since the reemergence of the virus in Nigeria in 2017, the country has witnessed over 5,114 suspected Mpox cases, with 1,180 confirmed cases from 35 states and the FCT. Tragically, 17 people have lost their lives to the virus during this period, and the virus has predominantly affected males, with around 70% of the confirmed cases occurring in men.
Highest Confirmed Cases by State
As of Week 40, the highest numbers of confirmed Mpox cases have been reported in Cross River (11) and Lagos (10). Other states such as Plateau, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom have each confirmed eight cases. The virus has also been detected in several other regions, including Delta (6), Bayelsa (6), and the FCT (5). States such as Imo, Benue, Rivers, Abia, and others have reported fewer cases, with some states having as few as one confirmed case.
The NCDC’s report also revealed a backlog of 13 cases, including four confirmed cases for Week 39, which highlights the ongoing monitoring and testing efforts in the country.
States with the Most Suspected Cases
While the confirmed cases provide insight into the outbreak’s severity, suspected cases help health authorities gauge the potential spread of the virus. Ogun state currently leads the country in the number of suspected Mpox cases, with 222 suspected cases reported. Lagos follows with 153 suspected cases, while Bayelsa (125), Cross River (84), and Akwa Ibom (65) also report significant numbers.
Other states with
high numbers of suspected cases include Ekiti (63), Enugu (59), and Osun (56). The figures are a stark reminder of how widespread the outbreak has become, stretching across various regions of Nigeria.
Age Distribution of Mpox Cases
The outbreak of Mpox in Nigeria has affected individuals of various age groups. In 2024, children between the ages of 0-10 accounted for 24 confirmed cases, while teenagers and young adults aged 11-20 reported 15 cases. The largest age group affected was individuals aged 21-30, with 25 confirmed cases. Other age groups include individuals aged 31-40 (14 cases), 41-50 (12 cases), and those aged 50 and above (four cases).
This broad age distribution suggests that Mpox does not target a specific age group, and everyone remains vulnerable to the virus. Public health authorities are urging individuals of all ages to take precautions to prevent infection.
National Efforts to Control the Spread
Nigeria's response to the Mpox outbreak has been coordinated through the National Mpox Emergency Operation Centre, which includes a multi-sectoral and multi-partner approach. This collaboration between government bodies, health institutions, and international partners is aimed at controlling the spread of the virus and ensuring proper treatment for those affected.
According to the NCDC, this operation center is actively managing the country's Mpox outbreak by tracking new cases, providing timely updates, and deploying resources where they are needed most. The NCDC also continues to encourage individuals to practice good hygiene, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and seek medical attention if they show symptoms such as fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes.
Conclusion: Mpox Continues to Pose a Major Health Threat
Mpox remains a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with cases reported across multiple regions and affecting individuals of all ages. Although there has been a slight decrease in confirmed and suspected cases in recent weeks, the virus's widespread nature across 63 LGAs highlights the need for continued vigilance. Cross River and Lagos lead in confirmed cases, but many other states are also grappling with the virus.
The Nigerian government's efforts to manage the outbreak through its Emergency Operation Centre are crucial in controlling the spread, but public cooperation and awareness will play a vital role in preventing further cases. Health authorities urge the public to remain cautious and follow health guidelines to minimize the risk of infection.
For the latest Mpox News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/drug-resistant-mpox-strains-discovered-in-five-american-states
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/mpox-cases-surge-in-montreal-and-across-canada
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