Nigeria Records Six Cases Of Monkeypox In May 2022

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the latest report on Monkeypox, Nigeria has recorded six cases and one death in May.

The NCDC explained that Nigeria’s risk of exposure to the Monkeypox virus is high based on the recent risk assessment conducted.

The NCDC's latest epidemiological summary on Monkeypox which was published on Sunday evening noted that since January 2022, Nigeria had continued to report sporadic cases of the disease.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the disease is only seen in West and Central African countries.

It has, however, been reported in other countries of the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy.

According to the report, this year, as of May 29, 2022, a total of 21 confirmed cases with one death have been reported from 9 states and the FCT.

5 cases were confirmed from Adamawa, 4 from Lagos, 2 from Bayelsa , 2 from Delta,  2 from Cross River, 2 from  FCT, 2 from Kano, 1 from Imo 1 from  Rivers State.

It further stated that one death was reported in a 40-year-old patient who had underlying co-morbidity and was on immunosuppressive medications.

According to the NCDC, among the 21 cases reported in 2022 so far, there had been no evidence of any new or unusual transmission of the virus, nor changes in its clinical manifestation documented (including symptoms, profile and virulence).

It said a National Technical Working Group (TWG) was set up and saddled with the task of monitoring infections and strengthening preparedness and response capacity.

The Disease Agency said that Genomic surveillance was ongoing at NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory in Abuja and so far all of the cases have been confirmed to be caused by the West African clade Monkeypox virus.

“The TWG coordinated the development of national Monkeypox guidelines, capacity building of healthcare workers and surveillance officers on case detection, sample collection, laboratory testing for confirmation and sequencing of the virus at NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory.”

It also intensified public awareness through risk communication.

The Agency also mentioned that the Emergency Operations Centre for Monkeypox would continue to monitor the evolving situation to inform public health action accordingly.

“Symptoms of monkeypox include sudden fever, headache, body pain, weakness, sore throat, enlargement of glands (lymph nodes) in the neck and under the jaw, followed by the appearance of a rash (often solid or fluid-filled at the onset) on the face, palms, soles of the feet, genitals and other parts of the body,” it said.

The NCDC also laid emphasis on how important it is for the entire public to remain aware of the risk of Monkeypox and adhere to public health safety measures.

The centre also encouraged the public to report any signs and symptoms to the nearest health facility.