Nigeria Increases Alertness to Manage Mpox Outbreak

The World Health Organization's declaration of mpox as a global health emergency has led the Nigerian government to increase its level of alertness and response. The NCDC confirmed 39 cases this year, which seemed to raise questions about the country's capability to effectively manage a new outbreak of the disease.

So far, the outbreak has affected Bayelsa and Cross River states as well as Ogun and Lagos States. Nigeria, NCDC led by Dr. Olajide Idris said that the country is stepping up efforts to curb importation and spread of the virus during a press conference in Lagos Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic disease that has been endemic in several African countries and especially lethal this year: there have been more than 2,800 cases spread across 13 nations with upwards of 500 fatalities.

Dr. Idris reported that a new virus appeared and is more deadly, leading to plans for focused vaccination efforts in areas with especially high morbidity due to what's being called mpox 2.0. The Nigerian government is working hard to ensure that vaccines are out for the general public and a focus on hotspot area,” he said. “Overall, these vaccines demonstrated an acceptable safety profile. They are not here yet, but they are on the way.

The new strain is deadlier because it spreads so fast, attacking moderate and severe cases of the disease — recognized for more widespread rashes on patients' bodies in comparison to other strains, with children also affected. Bingo! With this strain being one that is newer, anything new requires a time for learning and adaptation. What we have seen related to this strain is it spreads quite rapidly, the manifestations — particularly rash has been apparent everywhere,” she said.

Of greatest public health concern is the more rapid human-to-human transmission with this strain, which has fast-tracked an intensified global response. Public awareness and health-seeking behavior on the part of people played a major role, according to Dr. Idris. “We advise all those with fever, muscle pain or sore throat to go early and check into the health care facility,” he said.

Health experts are calling for vigilance to avoid contact with potentially infected animals and advocating universalsafety measures like the maintenance of high level personal hygiene. As the outbreak situation evolves, NCDC and other health bodies are on high alert to use vaccines or any necessary interventions to curtail its spread that has a potential of mpoxplets[17].