Mpox Outbreak: Nigerian Government Steps Up Border Surveillance as Cases Reach 39

In response to the growing threat of Monkeypox, the Federal Government of Nigeria has ramped up its border surveillance and entry-point screening procedures. This was announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, through a statement on Thursday, as reported by his Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed that 39 cases of Mpox have been recorded across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the start of 2024. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported so far. Prof Pate emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance at all entry points into the country, stating that the government is taking proactive measures to safeguard public health. The NCDC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Ports Health Services, has been actively fortifying Nigeria’s defences against the virus, especially before the recent declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency.

“This particular strain of Mpox, known as Clade 1, has historically led to fatalities in up to 10% of infected individuals during previous outbreaks,” Prof Pate noted. He explained that the government's strategy includes implementing measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate the virus's spread and impact. One of the new measures introduced by the government requires all travelers to complete an online health declaration form before entering the country. Additionally, infectious disease centers have been activated in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure rapid response capabilities. The minister urged the public to maintain good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, particularly after contact with infected individuals or animals. The Africa Centre for Disease Control declared a public health emergency earlier this week, following a surge in Mpox cases across the continent. The outbreak has been particularly severe in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a new strain of the virus, Clade 1b, emerged in September 2023. This strain has now spread beyond the DRC, raising concerns about its rapid transmission, particularly through sexual networks.

So far in 2024, over 2,863 confirmed Mpox cases and 517 deaths have been reported across 13 African countries, underscoring the urgency of the situation. In a related development, the Rivers State Government presented 46 motorcycles to tuberculosis (TB) supervisors and their deputies across the state’s 23 local councils. The initiative, supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and other partners, aims to improve TB tracking and treatment efforts in hard-to-reach areas. State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, emphasized the importance of active community surveillance in combating TB, stating, "These motorcycles will empower our TB Supervisors to reach remote communities, identify infected individuals, and ensure they receive the necessary treatment."