The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reports that there have been 39 confirmed cases of mpox, with no deaths, across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, disclosed this information during a press briefing on Thursday, following the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern. Idris stated that the NCDC is increasing its surveillance efforts nationwide to promptly identify and respond to new cases.
According to Idris, all port health services at the five international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders are on high alert. Additionally, several states, including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have been put on high alert.
On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the surge in mpox cases in Africa a global public health emergency, citing the rise in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the spread to neighboring countries. The WHO convened a meeting of experts to assess the outbreak and make recommendations to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Tedros stated, “Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice.”
He emphasized, “This is something that should concern us all. WHO is committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinate the global response, working closely with each of the affected countries, and leveraging our on-the-ground presence, to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives.”
The decision follows the African Union’s health watchdog declaring a public health emergency due to the growing outbreak. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has spread throughout the DRC and other countries, with over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths reported this year in the DRC alone, surpassing last year’s total.