The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that of the 1,031 suspected cases of monkeypox across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), there have been 67 confirmed cases in Nigeria. This was said at a press conference in Abuja by NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris. In order to stop the entry of the Clade I strain of the monkeypox virus into the nation, the agency is collaborating with port health officials. A number of states have confirmed instances, with Akwa Ibom and Enugu leading the way with eight cases apiece. Other states that have confirmed cases include Lagos, Bayelsa, and Cross River.
To guarantee precise and timely detection of the virus, the NCDC is concentrating on improving its laboratory capabilities and surveillance systems across several jurisdictions. The illness is an uncommon viral zoonotic infection that can spread from humans to other humans as well as from animals (such as rats, squirrels, and monkeys) to humans. Direct contact with an infected individual or contaminated objects is the main way that the infection spreads among humans. A characteristic rash that frequently begins on the face and spreads are among the symptoms, which may include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
There are fewer cases than the current estimate for 2024.
Since 2017, outbreaks of monkeypox have been periodically reported in Nigeria. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the 2022 outbreak experienced a notable upsurge, with over 500 confirmed cases by mid-2022. This suggests that there are fewer cases than the current estimate for 2024, which is 67 confirmed cases out of 1,031 suspected cases. However, since 2017, procedures for surveillance, detection, and reporting have improved, which may help to explain some of the swings in case counts. Even if there are 67 fewer cases than at the peak in prior years, ongoing watchfulness is necessary to stop further increases.
More so, there are two primary clades (genetic variations) of monkeypox viruses: Clade I and Clade II. The more transmissible and virulent variant, Clade I, formerly known as the Congo Basin clade, has a case fatality rate of roughly 10%. Clade II, on the other hand, is frequently associated with West Africa and has a lower case fatality rate (between 1% and 3%). Health authorities must take immediate action to stop the importation of Clade I into Nigeria, where healthcare systems may already be under pressure from other Public Health issues, due to the disease’s heightened transmissibility and severity.
Some regions, especially rural areas, have a shortage of hospitals.
Furthermore, the continuous outbreak is placing a great deal of strain on Nigeria’s health facilities. Some regions have a shortage of hospitals, especially in rural areas with minimal resources. Concerns about inadequate training and protective gear for managing cases of monkeypox have also been raised by medical professionals. Furthermore, there isn’t much capacity for hospitals to address another public health emergency because they are currently juggling the fallout from COVID-19 and other endemic diseases. By working with local health officials, the NCDC has increased surveillance and is keeping a closer eye on instances.
In addition to organizing fast response teams in impacted states, this entails teaching healthcare professionals how to recognize and report symptoms early. To screen incoming travellers, especially those from nations where Clade I has been identified, the NCDC is collaborating with port and border health officials. When a passenger exhibits symptoms, they are segregated for additional testing and undergo physical examinations. The public is being informed about monkeypox prevention and transmission through the initiation of media outreach activities.
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By promoting good hygiene, avoiding contact with infected people or animals, and reporting suspected cases to health authorities, these initiatives seek to minimize the spread of the disease from person to person. In order to process samples locally and avoid shipping them to other areas, efforts are being made to enhance laboratory capacity throughout the states of Nigeria. By doing this, diagnostic delays are decreased and the infection can be contained more quickly. There is growing discourse regarding the introduction of targeted vaccinations for healthcare staff and vulnerable people, should the necessity arise, even if there hasn’t been a national vaccination campaign started yet.