Nigeria is facing a new outbreak of Monkey-pox, with 55 confirmed cases according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). This worrying situation is being closely monitored by national and international health authorities.
Data provided by the NCDC is alarming, with 935 suspected cases spread across 39 zones across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Of the 55 confirmed cases, no deaths have been recorded so far this year. However, the gender distribution shows a 70% predominance of male cases while 30% are female.
Regarding the age groups of those affected, NCDC statistics reveal that the disease mainly affects the youth, with 19 cases among those under 10 years, 8 cases among those aged 11-20 years and 12 cases among those aged 21-30 years. Other affected age groups are 31-40 years with 8 cases, 41-50 years with 7 cases, and one person above 50 years affected.
Regionally, the confirmed cases are as follows: 8 cases in Enugu, 6 in Bayelsa, 6 in Akwa-Ibom, 5 in Cross River, 3 in Delta, 3 in Benue, 3 in Plateau, and isolated cases in other states such as Osun, Imo, FCT, Anambra, Rivers, Abia, Lagos, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Edo, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Oyo, Kaduna and Niger.
Monkey-pox is a viral disease similar to smallpox, but generally less severe. Symptoms include fever, rash and swollen glands. Transmission can occur from animals to humans and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
In response to this outbreak, the multi-sectoral and multi-partner Emergency Coordination Centre for Monkey-pox continues to coordinate responses across the country. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Monkey-pox a global public health emergency last August.
While the Democratic Republic of Congo is the epicentre of the outbreak, Monkey-pox has been reported in at least 13 African countries, with the first case recently confirmed in Guinea. With the disease also affecting countries outside the continent, including Pakistan, the Philippines, Sweden and Thailand, it is essential to strengthen prevention and awareness measures to stem its spread.
In conclusion, vigilance and collaboration at both national and international levels are essential to contain the Monkey-pox outbreak in Nigeria and globally. Only a concerted effort by all stakeholders will prevent further cases and ensure the health and well-being of affected populations.