The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed two new cases of Mpox, one in Ebonyi and one in Enugu.
According to the latest data from the public health agency, there were 51 new suspected cases reported between Epidemiological (Epi) weeks 29 to 32 of 2024, which marks a significant decrease from the 102 cases reported during the previous four weeks (Epi Week 25 to 28)
The NCDC mentioned that the cases were spread across 26 local government areas in 18 states.
“The following outlined case definitions for suspected Mpox cases are an acute illness with fever 38.3°C, intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, and myalgia.
“Intense asthenia is followed one to three days later by a progressively developing rash, often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body,” it said.
It described a probable case as one that fits the clinical case definition and is not confirmed by laboratory testing but has an epidemiological connection to a confirmed case.
“A confirmed case is a clinically compatible case that is laboratory-confirmed.
“Contact is any person who has been in direct or indirect contact with a confirmed case since the onset of symptoms,” it said.
In 2024, Mpox was confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria, affecting 30 local government areas. The Case Fatality Rate for Mpox was calculated based only on confirmed cases.
To prevent the spread of Mpox, the public is advised to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions.
Healthcare providers are urged to be vigilant for patients presenting fever, rash, and other Mpox symptoms, especially if they have a history of travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases.
The National Mpox Technical Working Group is monitoring and responding to the outbreak, and Nigerians are urged to adhere to public health guidelines to curb the spread of Mpox, particularly in affected states.
Symptoms of Mpox include a rash that forms blisters, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The illness is usually mild, with most infected individuals recovering within a few weeks with treatment.