Nigeria has reported 67 confirmed cases of Monkeypox from 1,031 suspected cases across 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with ongoing efforts to prevent the spread.

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria has recorded 67 confirmed cases of Monkeypox from 1,031 suspected cases across 23 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the NCDC, provided the update during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

The confirmed cases are distributed as follows:

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
Kaduna: 1
Gombe: 1
Edo: 1
Niger: 1
Ebonyi: 1
Nasarawa: 1
Kebbi: 1
Oyo: 1

Dr. Idris emphasized that the NCDC is working closely with port health authorities to prevent the importation of Clade I of Mpox into Nigeria. The agency is also collaborating with border states to bolster preventive measures.

Also read: ‘Not true’ NCDC reacts as Russia alleges Nigeria, US collusion to spread MonkeyPox

The NCDC is optimizing laboratory capabilities nationwide to enhance Mpox detection, reducing the need to transport samples between states. The agency is also focused on awareness creation to educate the public about the disease.

Mpox, a rare viral zoonotic disease, can be transmitted from animals to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their body fluids.

Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through contact with an infected person or contaminated materials.

Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, including the palms, soles, and genital areas.