Recently, global concern has intensified over the resurgence of the Mpox virus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared a public health emergency on Wednesday. Just two days before this announcement, the African Centre for Disease Control (CDC) also classified the situation as a public health emergency.
On Friday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 39 confirmed cases within the country. In response, the NCDC issued a health advisory aimed at curbing the spread of the virus and alerted all public and private healthcare facilities to the Mpox outbreak. The agency also circulated a list of referral isolation and treatment centers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Beyond
Since December 2022, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been grappling with a severe Mpox epidemic, resulting in 524 deaths and over 14,000 reported cases in 2024 alone. On Thursday, the WHO expressed concern about the virus spreading into Europe, particularly after Sweden reported the first confirmed case of the more dangerous strain outside of Africa. The UN health agency also highlighted the rapid rise in cases and fatalities in Africa, with new infections reported in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, all linked to the DRC outbreak.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, previously referred to as Monkeypox, is a contagious viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can infect both humans and animals and is related to the smallpox virus, although Mpox generally presents with milder symptoms like fever, chills, and body aches. In severe cases, it can cause lesions on the face, hands, chest, and genitals.
Strains of the Mpox Virus
There are two recognized strains of the Mpox virus: Clade I and Clade II.
- Clade II: This strain triggered the 2022 outbreak and is less lethal, with a 99% survival rate.
- Clade I: Known to be more dangerous, Clade I can be fatal in about 10% of cases. This strain is responsible for the recent outbreak in the DRC.
Experts warn that Clade I is more aggressive, causing more severe symptoms and higher mortality rates. Although the virus typically spreads through physical contact, recent outbreaks in the DRC have involved transmission through sexual contact. New cases in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda have all been traced back to the ongoing epidemic in Congo. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus has called for a coordinated international effort to stop the virus’s spread.
In this latest outbreak, over 70% of reported cases and 85% of deaths in Congo have occurred in children under 15.
Transmission and Symptoms of Mpox
Mpox is primarily transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or animals. In September 2023, the WHO documented a case of sexual transmission involving Clade I, with several more cases reported since then. Common symptoms include rashes, flu-like symptoms, and pus-filled lesions. While many cases are mild, the disease poses significant risks to children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Unlike earlier outbreaks, where symptoms and lesions were more visible on the chest, hands, and feet, this new variant presents milder symptoms and genital lesions, making detection more challenging.
Preventive Measures in Nigeria
Nigeria has implemented several measures to prevent further spread, including requiring a health declaration form from all incoming passengers.
Dr. Oladipo Kolawole, a Medical Virologist and Immunologist at Adeleke University in Osun State offered the following precautions to reduce the risk of contracting Mpox:
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals or animals.
- Practice good hygiene and maintain a clean environment.
- Get vaccinated with the Mpox vaccine.
- Report any symptoms or potential exposure to healthcare providers.
- Stay informed through updates from authorized government agencies.
