Mpox: NCDC Confirms Cases in Enugu, Ebonyi as Infection Rate Declines

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a decrease in the number of suspected and confirmed Mpox cases across the country over the past four weeks.

In a statement released on its official website on Monday, the NCDC noted that Mpox, a viral disease that affects humans and animals, has seen a decline in its spread. Mpox symptoms include a rash that develops into blisters, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Although the illness is generally mild, most individuals recover without treatment within a few weeks.

According to the NCDC’s latest data, 51 new suspected cases were recorded between Epidemiological (Epi) Weeks 29 to 32 of 2024, a significant reduction from the 102 cases reported during the previous four-week period (Epi Weeks 25 to 28). These cases were identified across 26 local government areas in 18 states. Out of the new suspected cases, two were confirmed positive, with one case each reported in Ebonyi and Enugu. This marks a decrease from the seven confirmed cases recorded in the previous period.

The NCDC outlined the case definitions for Mpox, describing a suspected case as an acute illness featuring a fever of 38.3°C or higher, intense headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and severe fatigue, followed by a rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to other body parts within one to three days. A probable case is one that meets the clinical case definition but lacks laboratory confirmation, though it has an epidemiological link to a confirmed case. A confirmed case is one that is clinically compatible and has been verified through laboratory testing. In 2024, Mpox has been confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affecting 30 local government areas. The Case Fatality Rate is calculated based on confirmed cases only.

To prevent the spread of Mpox, the NCDC advises the public to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions. Healthcare providers are urged to be vigilant, especially when patients present with fever, rash, and other Mpox symptoms, particularly if they have a history of travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases.

The NCDC also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), which includes multi-sectoral and multi-partner teams, in monitoring and responding to the outbreak across the nation. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines to help curb the spread of Mpox, especially in affected states.