Mpox Hits 48 Cases Across 20 Nigerian States
Mpox cases in Nigeria have risen to 48, with the virus now detected in Abuja and 20 other states, according to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). No deaths have been reported despite the increase.
On August 27, Nigeria received 10,000 vaccine doses from the United States to help control the outbreak. A health declaration form for international travelers has also been introduced to prevent further spread.
The African Union has declared a public health emergency due to the virus’s rapid spread across the continent. Mpox, transmitted through contact with infected rodents, people, or contaminated objects, causes symptoms like fever, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and skin lesions. While no specific treatment exists, antiviral drugs can manage the disease, and most cases recover within a few weeks.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is related to smallpox but typically results in milder symptoms. Severe cases can involve painful sores and blisters on the face, chest, hands, and genitals, primarily spreading through close skin-to-skin contact.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 230,000 vaccine doses will soon be sent to Congo and other affected areas, along with ongoing educational campaigns to prevent further spread. Maria Van Kerkhove of WHO emphasized the need for expedited vaccine access due to limited supply and better understanding of mpox transmission in Africa.
The head of Africa’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the continent will receive approximately 380,000 mpox vaccine doses from donors, including the U.S. and the European Union. However, this is less than 15% of the doses needed to end the outbreaks in Congo, according to health authorities.
