The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a significant drop in Mpox cases across the country over the past month.
According to recent data from the NCDC, between Epidemiological (Epi) weeks 29 to 32 of 2024, there were 51 new suspected Mpox cases, compared to 102 cases in the previous four weeks.
Out of these new suspected cases, two were confirmed positive, with one case each reported in Ebonyi and Enugu states.
This is a decrease from the seven confirmed cases recorded earlier.
Mpox is a disease that presents symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
The NCDC has provided clear definitions for suspected, probable, and confirmed cases to help in identifying and managing the disease.
Since the first case was reported in September 2017, Nigeria has recorded a total of 4,603 suspected Mpox cases, with 1,125 confirmed cases.
The disease has spread across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), resulting in 17 deaths.
To prevent the spread of Mpox, the NCDC advised the public to avoid contact with infected individuals, maintain good hand hygiene, use protective gear when necessary, avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, and ensure that meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption.
Healthcare providers are encouraged to isolate any suspected cases, inform public health authorities, and educate patients on the importance of reporting symptoms early.
The National Mpox Technical Working Group will continue to monitor and respond to the outbreak across the country.
The public is urged to stay vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines to help stop the spread of Mpox.
