The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the number of suspected and confirmed Mpox cases in the country has gone down over the past four weeks.
The NCDC shared this news on its official website on Monday.
Mpox is a virus that can infect both humans and animals. It makes you sick, giving you a rash with blisters, fever, and swollen glands.
Usually, the sickness is not too bad, and most people get better in a few weeks without needing any special medicine.
According to the latest data from NCDC, 51 new suspected cases were reported between weeks 29 and 32 of 2024.
This is a big drop from the 102 cases that were reported in weeks 25 to 28.
The NCDC said the cases came from 26 local government areas in 18 states. From these new suspected cases, two were confirmed positive, one each in Ebonyi and Enugu.
This is also a decrease from the seven confirmed cases in the earlier period.
The NCDC provided a list of symptoms for suspected Mpox cases: fever of 38.3°C or higher, bad headache, swollen glands, back pain, and muscle pain.
After one to three days, a rash usually starts on the face and then spreads to other body parts.
A “probable case” is one that shows symptoms and has been in contact with another confirmed case but hasn’t been confirmed in the lab.
A “confirmed case” shows symptoms and has been confirmed by lab tests.
A “contact” is anyone who has been near a confirmed case since they started showing symptoms.
In 2024, Mpox has been confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, affecting 30 local government areas.
The death rate (Case Fatality Rate) for Mpox is calculated based on confirmed cases only.
To stop Mpox from spreading, the NCDC advises people to avoid close contact with others who have symptoms like rashes or skin bumps.
Healthcare workers should watch out for patients with fever, rash, and other symptoms, especially if they have traveled to places with Mpox or been in contact with suspected cases.
The National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), made up of different experts and partners, is still working to keep an eye on and respond to Mpox outbreaks across the country.
The NCDC urges everyone to stay careful and follow public health guidelines to stop Mpox from spreading, especially in affected states.