In an effort to combat the escalating public health threats in Nigeria, Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in Africa.
The declaration follows a concerning rise in cases and deaths across the continent, linked to a new strain of the virus that has spread from eastern Congo to Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Idris detailed the situation’s gravity, noting that over 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths have been reported in 13 African countries in 2024 alone. In Nigeria, 39 confirmed cases have been recorded across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with no reported fatalities yet. Bayelsa State leads with (5) Cross River (5), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3) leading the pack.
“The alarming increase in Mpox cases across Africa and the potential for cross-border transmission necessitates immediate and coordinated action,” Dr. Idris stated. “This press conference marks our commitment to intensify efforts in controlling the spread of this virus and preventing its importation into unaffected areas.”
Mpox, a rare viral zoonotic disease, has seen a resurgence with a new, more virulent strain. The virus, typically transmitted from animals like rodents and monkeys to humans, can also spread from human to human through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that spreads across the body.
Dr. Idris urged the public to adhere to strict infection prevention measures, including avoiding contact with potentially infected animals, practicing good hygiene, and reporting suspected cases to healthcare facilities immediately. The Nigerian government is also working to make vaccines available, particularly in high-risk areas.
In addition to the Mpox outbreak, Nigeria is grappling with a severe cholera epidemic. The NCDC reported 5,951 suspected cases and 176 deaths across the country as of August 11, 2024. The most affected are children under five, and the outbreak is expected to continue fluctuating until at least September.
The cholera outbreak, exacerbated by poor sanitation and open defecation, highlights the urgent need for improved water sanitation and hygiene practices. The NCDC has deployed National Rapid Response Teams to several states, including Abia, Katsina, Lagos, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, and Zamfara, to manage the outbreak and prevent further loss of life.
Another critical issue highlighted by Dr. Idris is the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Nigeria. AMR, responsible for 64,500 deaths in Nigeria alone in 2019, poses a significant challenge to public health. The NCDC is leading efforts to combat this through a multisectoral approach, focusing on public awareness, responsible use of antimicrobials, and enhanced surveillance.
Dr. Idris also outlined the NCDC’s proactive measures to address potential outbreaks of other diseases, including Lassa fever, yellow fever, and cerebrospinal meningitis. The NCDC has developed a seasonal disease calendar to predict when these diseases are most likely to surge and has put in place systems to manage these risks.
In closing, Dr. Idris emphasized the importance of public cooperation in these efforts, urging Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information and rely on updates from official health authorities.
“We are at a critical juncture in our public health journey,” he said. “Our collective actions today will determine our ability to safeguard the health of Nigerians in the months and years to come.”