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NCDC Reports 40 Confirmed Mpox Cases

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 24th, 2024.

NCDC Reports 40 Confirmed Mpox Cases

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 40 Mpox cases from 830 suspected instances reported nationwide.

Dr. Jide Idris, the NCDC Director-General, announced at a press briefing in Abuja that the confirmed cases are distributed across 12 to 13 states, with notable numbers in the South-South, South-East, Lagos, Ogun, and some Northern states. The NCDC plans to intensify efforts in these areas to curb the spread.

“We have confirmed 40 Mpox cases from 830 suspected ones. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities reported,” Dr. Idris said.

He highlighted the NCDC’s initiative to enhance laboratory testing capabilities, noting that all confirmed cases were identified through genomic sequencing at the National Research Lab in Abuja and a Lagos facility. To expand testing capacity, additional laboratories, including NIMA, LUTH, and the African Center for Genomics, will be involved.

Dr. Idris emphasized the need to improve laboratory facilities in the South-South and South-East regions, stating that while many labs can conduct PCR testing, not all are equipped for Mpox-specific tests. The NCDC plans to address this gap by providing training, reagents, and necessary equipment.

On the global front, the World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized Nigeria’s risk level for Mpox as moderate. Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO’s country representative in Nigeria, stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance and monitoring, citing Mpox cases in Europe and Asia.

“We are currently at a moderate risk level. Continued vigilance is crucial as we monitor the spread globally,” Dr. Mulombo stated, affirming WHO’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen public health measures and manage the outbreak.