Nigeria records 67 confirmed cases in 23 states NCDC

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Nigeria has recorded at least 67 confirmed cases of Mpox out of 1,031 suspected cases across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

This was disclosed by the Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, on Wednesday in Abuja during a press briefing.

The states with confirmed cases include Akwa-Ibom (8); Enugu (8); Bayelsa (6); Cross River (5); Benue (4); Plateau (4); Delta (4); FCT (3); Imo (3); Lagos (3); Rivers (2); Abia (2); Osun (2); Anambra (2); Ogun (2). Additionally, Kaduna (1); Gombe (1); Edo (1); Niger (1); Ebonyi (1); Nasarawa (1); Kebbi (1); and Oyo (1) have reported cases.

Dr. Idris further stated that the agency is enhancing surveillance in affected states to ensure accurate detection.

We are working with the Port Health Authority to prevent the importation of Clade I of Mpox into the country, particularly in border states, he said. Although we have laboratories across the country, not all are equipped to test for Mpox. Therefore, we are optimizing laboratory capabilities to avoid transferring samples across states. We are also engaged in raising public awareness.

Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans and also between humans.

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It is endemic in parts of Africa, particularly in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. Animal-to-human transmission can occur through direct contact with infected animals, such as monkeys, squirrels, and rodents, or their body fluids. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated materials.

Symptoms of Mpox include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that typically starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms, soles, and genital areas, making sexual contact a possible route of transmission.

In addition, the NCDC has recorded approximately 12,085 suspected cases of diphtheria infections as of September 11, 2024.

Of the suspected cases, 7,784 have been confirmed in 170 local government areas across 21 states. The death toll stands at 309, with a case fatality rate of 3.9%. The deaths were reported in Kano (169), Bauchi (59), Katsina (52), Borno (19), Yobe (4), Edo (2), Jigawa (2), FCT (1), and Nasarawa (1).

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection caused by Corynebacterium species that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the skin. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, red eyes (conjunctivitis), and neck swelling. In severe cases, a thick grey or white patch can appear on the tonsils or at the back of the throat, making breathing difficult.

The NCDC’s epidemiological report covering week 22 of 2022 to week 35 of 2024 shows that 36,151 suspected cases were reported from 37 states and the FCT across 332 local government areas. Of these, 21,938 cases were confirmed from 26 states across 173 LGAs, with a total of 1,103 confirmed deaths and a case fatality rate of 5.0%.

Dr. Idris explained, Diphtheria spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, through close contact with infected individuals, or by touching contaminated objects. Symptoms typically appear two to five days after infection and can include fever, chills, sore throat, difficulty breathing, swollen glands in the neck, and nasal discharge. Early recognition and prompt treatment are critical for managing the disease and preventing severe complications.

He added that the NCDC conducts regular National Emergency Operation Centre meetings and provides operational support to emergency operations centers (EOCs) and their teams at the sub-national level.

In collaboration with partners such as Breakthrough Action-Nigeria, we have developed surveillance and outbreak response guidelines for diphtheria, deployed diphtheria antitoxin (DAT) and intravenous erythromycin to affected states, established a diphtheria laboratory testing network across states, and provided routine support to state labs with testing reagents. We also conduct routine monitoring and proficiency testing across the laboratory network.

“In collaboration with states, we conduct active case searches, contact tracing, and management. Additionally, with Africa CDC and state partners, we train healthcare workers in case management and infection prevention and control for diphtheria treatment.

Working with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), we also conduct reactive vaccinations across states. Finally, we perform intra-action reviews and after-action reviews of response activities at both national and sub-national levels, he said.