The Nigerian government says it has ramped up its surveillance and screening efforts at all entry points to combat the alarming spread of Mpox Clade 1, a highly contagious and deadly virus currently wreaking havoc in parts of Africa.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the Mpox outbreak a Global Health Emergency, calling for urgent global action.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, announced on Thursday, August 14, 2024, that Nigeria is on high alert, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Nigeria Ports Health Services intensifying their efforts to shield the nation from the virus.
A statement by Tashikalmah Hallah SA/Media & External Relations CMH&SW said these agencies, under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, have been proactive, strengthening the country’s defences even before the WHO’s emergency declaration.
“This Mpox Clade 1 strain has caused fatalities in up to 10% of individuals who have fallen ill in previous outbreaks.
He added that the aim is to tackle and mitigate its impact by deploying measures similar to those used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Pate further explained that the government had implemented a new mandate requiring all travellers to complete an online health declaration form before departing for the country.
This measure is being introduced alongside the activation of infectious disease centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister also counselled the public to practice good hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially after contact with an infected person or animal.MPOX is transmitted through close contact, such as sex, skin-to-skin contact, and talking or breathing close to another person. It causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions and can be fatal, with 4 in 100 cases leading to death.
Outbreaks of Mpox can also be prevented and controlled with vaccines, although these are usually only available for people at risk or those in close contact with an infected person.”
As Nigeria witness the potential spread of Mpox Clade 1, the government’s swift and decisive actions are key to protecting its citizens and preventing the virus from gaining a foothold, hence urging the public to adopt strict hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and the use of alcohol-based sanitisers, particularly after contact with infected individuals or animals.
