The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 39 cases of mpox and nearly 6,000 suspected cases of cholera across the country in 2024. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the NCDC’s Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, highlighted the ongoing public health challenges, detailing both the spread of mpox and the significant cholera outbreak.
According to Dr. Idris, the mpox virus has been detected in 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) since the start of the year. “In Nigeria, cumulatively, a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 33 States + FCT, from the beginning of the year 2024,” Dr. Idris stated. States like Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Lagos, and Ondo have been most affected, each recording multiple cases.
The NCDC emphasized the risk of cross-border transmission due to the growing mpox outbreak in other African countries. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been particularly impacted, with over 2,800 confirmed cases and 517 deaths in 2024 alone. The virus, which is suspected to be transmitted from animals to humans and between humans, is a concern for health officials across the continent.
Dr. Idris assured the public that the government is stepping up efforts to monitor the spread of the virus, particularly at international airports, seaports, and land borders. He also mentioned that contact tracing and monitoring are underway to prevent further outbreaks. Nigeria is considering vaccination efforts, with 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine expected to arrive soon.
In addition to the mpox outbreak, Nigeria is grappling with a cholera crisis. As of August 11, 2024, the NCDC has recorded 5,951 suspected cholera cases and 176 deaths across 36 states and the FCT. The outbreak has been linked to factors such as open defecation and water contamination. Dr. Idris warned that the number of cases could rise due to ongoing rainfall, which could worsen water contamination issues.
