The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced a decrease in the number of suspected and confirmed Mpox cases nationwide over the past four weeks.
According to an update released on Monday, the number of new suspected cases fell to 51 between Epidemiological Weeks 29 to 32 of 2024, down from 102 cases reported in the previous four weeks (Epi Weeks 25 to 28).
Mpox, a viral disease impacting both humans and animals, presents with symptoms such as a blistering rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
The illness is typically mild, with most individuals recovering without treatment within a few weeks.
The NCDC reported that recent cases were identified in 26 local government areas across 18 states.
Notably, two cases were confirmed positive: one in Ebonyi and one in Enugu, a decrease from the seven confirmed cases in the prior reporting period.
The update includes details on Mpox case definitions. Suspected cases are characterized by symptoms like fever of at least 38.3°C, severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue, with a rash appearing one to three days after symptom onset.
A probable case meets clinical criteria but lacks laboratory confirmation, while a confirmed case is both clinically evident and laboratory-verified.
The NCDC clarified that a contact is any person who has been in direct or indirect contact with a confirmed case since symptom onset.
So far in 2024, Mpox has been confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affecting 30 local government areas. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is based solely on confirmed cases.
To mitigate the spread of Mpox, the NCDC advises avoiding close contact with individuals showing symptoms, especially those with rashes or skin lesions.
Healthcare providers are urged to remain vigilant for patients with fever, rash, and other Mpox symptoms, particularly if there is a history of travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases.
The NCDC assured that the National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), consisting of multi-sectoral and multi-partner teams, continues to monitor and respond to the outbreak nationwide.
The agency encourages Nigerians to stay vigilant and adhere to public health guidelines to help control the spread of Mpox, especially in affected states.
