Mpox Crisis Deepens: 39 Cases Confirmed, NCDC on High Alert

NCDC Director-General Jide Idris told reporters in Abuja on Thursday that there has been an alarming rise in MPOX infection rates across Africa in 2024. The WHO and Africa CDC have declared the disease an international public health emergency.
“There are 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths of pox reported across 13 countries; in Nigeria, 39 confirmed cases have been recorded, predominantly in Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states,” Idris said.
He said four cases have been confirmed in Lagos, four in Ogun, five in Bayelsa, four in Cross River, three in Ondo, and three in Ebonyi. But Idris said no deaths have been recorded so far.
He added, “The NCDC is ramping up surveillance and public awareness campaigns to curb the spread of this zoonotic disease.”

Idris highlighted public health challenges such as MPOX resurgence, cholera outbreaks, and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He said these diseases pose a significant health risk, highlighting the need for a coordinated national and regional response.
He said the cholera outbreak is an ongoing challenge, adding that as of August 11, the NCDC had reported a significant cholera outbreak with 5,951 suspected cases and 176 deaths.
“The ongoing rains and poor sanitation practices are exacerbating the situation.
“The NCDC’s response includes deploying rapid response teams, enhancing laboratory testing, and conducting community engagement in high-risk areas,” he said.

Idris said AMR remains a significant problem in Nigeria, contributing to over 64,500 deaths annually from associated complications.
He said the NCDC has implemented a range of measures to tackle the threats which include educating the public, implementing stricter antibiotic use guidelines, and establishing systems to monitor the spread of infections across human, animal, and environmental populations.

The Director-General said the NCDC has taken steps to strengthen preparedness as Nigeria enters the peak season for diseases such as Lassa fever, yellow fever, and meningitis.
“These include deploying medical countermeasures, conducting refresher training for rapid response teams, and engaging communities through targeted communication strategies,” he said.
He said the agency’s comprehensive approach to addressing these public health challenges reflects the urgency and scale of the threat facing Nigeria.
“However, sustained efforts and collaboration across all sectors of society will be crucial in mitigating the impact of these diseases and safeguarding public health,” the Director-General said.