Nigeria confirms 39 cases of mpox

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 39 cases of mpox in the country this year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday declared mpox a global public health emergency following a surge in cases in Africa.

The virus has hit the Democratic Republic of Congo, where 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported this year.

NCDC Director-General Jide Idris, who confirmed the development at a press conference, said the country has not recorded any deaths from mpox so far.

He added that the cases were recorded in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The NCDC chief also gave details of the virus cases in the country.

READ ALSO: WHO declares Mpox a global health emergency

Idris said: “Bayelsa (5), Cross River (5), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3) have recorded the highest cases of mpox.

“The National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), a multi-sectoral body under the NCDC, continues to coordinate mpox response activities.

“As part of the government’s ongoing efforts, we are intensifying surveillance across Nigeria to promptly detect and respond to any new cases.

“This puts all port health services at five international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot borders on high alert.

“Diagnostic protocols have now been distributed to these locations, and port health officers are on high alert and conducting screening to detect suspected cases.”

He revealed that Lagos and eight other cities have been put on high alert for the disease.

The other states are Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba and FCT.

Nigeria confirms 39 mpox cases first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.