In a concerning turn of events, Nigeria is grappling with two simultaneous public health crises, as a total of 39 confirmed cases of mpox and 5,951 suspected cases of cholera have been reported across the country.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has swiftly responded to the outbreaks, intensifying surveillance and response efforts to mitigate the spread of these diseases.
The mpox outbreak, which has been declared a public health emergency by the Africa Centre for Disease Control, has affected 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Bayelsa, Cross River, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, and Ebonyi being the most affected states.
The NCDC has heightened alertness at ports of entry, distributing diagnostic protocols and placing port health officers on high alert to screen for suspected cases.
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Contact tracing and monitoring of confirmed cases are also being conducted to prevent further spread.
In addition, the NCDC is considering vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, with 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine expected to arrive soon.
This proactive measure aims to curb the spread of mpox, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, the cholera outbreak continues to spread across 36 states and the FCT, resulting in 176 deaths and a case fatality rate of 3.0%.
The NCDC attributes the outbreak to high rates of open defecation, leading to contamination of water sources.
To combat this, enhanced prevention strategies and case management measures are being implemented, including public awareness campaigns and improved sanitation infrastructure.
The dual health crises pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s public health landscape, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to prevent and control the spread of these diseases.
The NCDC’s prompt response and proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of Nigerians.
