FG Boosts Border Surveillance as Mpox Cases Reach 39

The Federal Government has increased border surveillance measures in response to the rising Mpox cases, which have now reached 39 across the country.

In response to the Monkeypox outbreak, intensified monitoring and screening procedures are being implemented by the Federal Government at all entrances into the country.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah, Professor Muhammad Pate revealed this information on Thursday as the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.

On Thursday, it was reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention that there were 39 confirmed cases of mpox but no deaths across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory since the start of 2024.

According to a statement released on Thursday, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate highlighted that Nigeria has ramped up its monitoring and screening measures at all points of entry in order to mitigate the risk posed by Mpox Clade 1.

According to the statement, the minister highlighted that Nigeria’s defences had been strengthened by both NCDC and Nigeria Ports Health Services prior to declaring mpox as a public health emergency. This was done under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Pate noted that past outbreaks have seen fatalities in up to 10% of those who became ill from the Mpox Clade 1 strain. He stated the goal is to control and lessen its impact by applying measures comparable to those utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He elaborated on the fact that a novel regulation was set by the authorities, necessitating every voyager to fill out an electronic health statement form prior to embarking for their destination.

He added that alongside the activation of infectious disease centers in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, this measure is also being introduced.

Furthermore, the minister recommended that individuals must uphold proper hygiene by regularly washing their hands with soap and water or utilizing an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This is particularly crucial after coming into contact with a contaminated person or animal.

On Tuesday, a public health emergency was announced by the Africa Centre for Disease Control due to the increasing outbreak of mpox on the continent.

The epidemic has spread across many African nations, primarily affecting the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The DCR is currently facing a severe and escalating epidemic, which has spread beyond its borders.

A viral strain that surfaced in September 2023 has been identified outside of DRC for the very first time.

The detection of a new virus strain, clade 1b, in the Democratic Republic of Congo last year and its rapid spread through sexual networks has raised major concerns for the World Health Organisation. The fact that it has also been detected in neighbouring countries further compounds those concerns and is one of the key reasons behind declaring a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

As of 2024, there have been reports of 2,863 cases and 517 fatalities due to mpox across thirteen African nations.

Endemic to various African countries, particularly the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, Mpox is an uncommon viral zoonotic infection that spreads from animals to humans.

Although rodents, squirrels and monkeys are suspected to be involved in transmitting the virus, the precise source remains unidentified.

On Thursday, the Rivers State Government gave 46 motorcycles to tuberculosis supervisors and their deputies stationed in all of the state’s 23 local councils. This move was implemented with the aim of hastening both monitoring and treatment processes for this widely-feared disease.

According to the state, the gesture was carried out in conjunction with its allies such as the Federal Ministry of Health.

On Thursday, Dr Adaeze Oreh, the State Commissioner for Health in Port Harcourt presented motorcycles to health officials. She stated that this was aimed at facilitating their access to hard-to-reach areas of the state and ultimately eradicating Tuberculosis from within it.

“According to her, tuberculosis is a well-known disease that has been causing devastation in various countries worldwide. This problem affects low and middle-income nations considerably, including Nigeria.”

We have collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Health and received substantial assistance from the Global Fund for our National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme. Today, we are assembled here to distribute 46 motorcycles that will aid TB supervisors and their deputies in all of the 23 local government areas.

The health commissioner stated that active community surveillance is crucial in combating the deadly infectious disease. The motorcycles will facilitate TB Supervisors and Deputies to reach all corners of communities, identifying potential cases for treatment.