By Elizabeth Austin, Lagos

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 39 cases of Mpox (monkeypox) and zero deaths in the country so far this year. This comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a “public health emergency of international concern” due to a surge in cases across Africa.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, NCDC Director-General Jide Idris revealed that the cases were spread across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The highest number of cases were recorded in Bayelsa (16), Cross River (5), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3).

Idris stated that the national mpox technical working group is coordinating response activities, intensifying surveillance, and enhancing diagnostic protocols at all ports of entry. The NCDC is also considering vaccination for high-risk groups, with Nigeria expected to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine.

Additionally, several states, including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, and the FCT, have been placed on high alert. Contact tracing and monitoring are being conducted to prevent further spread.

The NCDC’s efforts aim to swiftly detect and respond to new cases, ensuring effective management of the outbreak in Nigeria.