The Nigerian Government has responded to the monkeypox outbreak by stepping up screening and monitoring at all ports of entry into the nation.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday signed by his Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah.
On Thursday, the Federal Capital Territory, 33 states, and 39 confirmed cases of mpox from the start of 2024 were reported by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention. However, no deaths were reported from the virus.
In response to the threat of Mpox, Clade 1, the country has reinforced monitoring and screening procedures at all entrance points, as stressed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the SA stated in the statement on Thursday.
According to the minister’s announcement, Nigeria’s defenses had been strengthened prior to the mpox outbreak being declared a public health emergency by the NCDC and the Nigeria Ports Health Services, which are both part of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Up to 10% of those infected during prior epidemics have died as a result of this Mpox Clade 1 strain. By implementing strategies akin to those employed during the COVID-19 epidemic, he continued, the goal is to address and lessen its effects, as mentioned by Pate.
He further said that prior to leaving the nation, all travelers must fill out an online health declaration form, as per a recent government rule.
“This measure is being introduced alongside the activation of infectious disease centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he added.
The minister also advised the public to practise good hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with an infected person or animal.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control had on Tuesday declared a public health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak on the continent.
The outbreak has swept through several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo.
