The Nigerian government has ramped up border security measures as the number of confirmed Mpox cases in the country rises to 39. The increased surveillance aims to curb the spread of the disease, which has so far affected 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) since the beginning of 2024.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah, on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, stricter monitoring and screening protocols have been introduced at all entry points into the country.
Prof. Pate highlighted that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and the Nigeria Ports Health Services have taken early action to prevent a larger outbreak, even before Mpox was declared a public health emergency.
“The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, emphasised that the country has intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points in response to the threat of Mpox, Clade 1,” the statement noted.
This strain of Mpox, Clade 1, has proven fatal in up to 10% of infected individuals during previous outbreaks. The government is now adopting preventive measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize the virus’s impact.
One such measure includes a new online health declaration form that all travelers must complete before arriving in Nigeria.
In addition, infectious disease centers have been activated in all 36 states and the FCT to help manage and contain the spread of the virus. Prof. Pate also urged the public to maintain good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizers, particularly after coming into contact with an infected person or animal.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) declared a public health emergency earlier this week due to the escalating Mpox outbreak across the continent. Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been particularly hard hit, with a new strain of the virus, Clade 1b, spreading rapidly.
The World Health Organization has expressed concern over the virus’s transmission, especially through sexual networks, and its detection in neighboring countries. As of 2024, Africa has reported 2,863 confirmed Mpox cases and 517 deaths across 13 countries.
