The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 54 new suspected Mpox cases during Week 39 of 2024, reflecting a decrease from the 75 suspected cases recorded the previous week. This update was shared in the agency’s latest epidemiological report, published on its official website.
Despite the drop in suspected cases, the NCDC revealed an increase in confirmed Mpox cases. In Week 39, six new cases were confirmed, doubling the three confirmed cases reported in the prior week. According to the report, the cumulative figures for 2024 so far indicate a total of 84 confirmed Mpox cases and 1,237 suspected cases across the country.
While the number of confirmed cases has risen, the NCDC highlighted that Nigeria continues to maintain a low Case Fatality Rate, with no deaths recorded from confirmed Mpox cases this year.
The public health agency also noted that as of Week 39, confirmed cases have been reported in 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory, affecting 57 Local Government Areas. Newly confirmed cases were reported in Plateau, Delta, the FCT, Katsina, and Imo states within the past week.
Since the Mpox outbreak first emerged in Nigeria in September 2017, the country has recorded a total of 5,054 suspected cases and 1,170 confirmed cases. Males account for 68% of the confirmed cases, with most of the affected individuals falling between the ages of 21 and 45.
The NCDC also emphasized that the National Mpox Emergency Operations Center remains active in coordinating the response to the outbreak. Working in collaboration with various sectors and partners, the center is focused on controlling the spread of the disease.
The agency reiterated the importance of preventive measures, urging the public to avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, maintain proper hand hygiene, and use protective gear when caring for suspected cases to minimize the risk of transmission.
