The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has reported a decline in the number of suspected and confirmed Mpox cases in the country over the past four weeks.
But, there are fears among experts that the stigma attached to the disease may hamper more robust response efforts towards combating it to a standstill in Nigeria.
The NCDC said this via its official website on Monday.
An infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals, Mpox symptoms include a rash that forms blisters, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
Although the illness is usually mild and most infected individuals recover within a few weeks without treatment, stigma and misinformation could significantly hinder the country’s response efforts against mpox, a public health expert, Dr. Gabriel Adakole has warned.
According to him, combating the stigma is just as important as the medical response.
“Stigmatisation not only causes psychological harm to those affected but also drives the disease underground, making it harder to control.
“Moreover, it may cause delays in contact tracing and isolation measures, increasing the risk of widespread transmission.
“We need to create a supportive environment where people feel safe to come forward for testing and treatment without fear of being judged,” he said.
He warned that reluctance to seek medical care due to fear of discrimination could lead to underreporting of cases, making it difficult for healthcare authorities to assess the true scale of the outbreak.
NCDC said in its latest data, tht 51 new suspected cases were reported between Epidemiological (Epi) weeks 29 to 32 of 2024, signalling a significant drop from the 102 cases reported during the previous four weeks (Epi Week 25 to 28).
The Centre disclosed that these cases were recorded across 26 local government areas (LGAs) in 18 states, explaining that out of the new suspected cases, two were confirmed positive, with one case each reported in Ebonyi and Enugu.
This marked a decrease from the seven confirmed cases recorded in the earlier period.
“The following outlined case definitions for suspected mpox cases are an acute illness with fever 38.3°C, intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, and myalgia.
“Intense asthenia is followed one to three days later by a progressively developing rash often beginning on the face and spreading to other parts of the body,” the NCDC said.
It described probable case as a case that meets the clinical case definition, not laboratory-confirmed but has an epidemiological link to a confirmed case.
“A confirmed case is a clinically compatible case that is laboratory-confirmed.
“Contact is any person who has been in direct or indirect contact with a confirmed case since the onset of symptoms,” it said.
The NCDC highlighted that in 2024 alone, mpox had been confirmed in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), affecting 30 Local Government Areas.
“Since the resurgence of mpox in Nigeria in September 2017, the country has seen a cumulative total of 4,603 suspected cases, with 1,125 confirmed cases (24.4 per cent ) across 35 states and the FCT.
“The disease has disproportionately affected males, who account for approximately 70 per cent of confirmed cases.
“Seventeen deaths have been recorded since 2017,” it said.
It said that the Case Fatality Rate for Mpox was calculated based on confirmed cases only.
To prevent the spread of mpox, the NCDC advised the public to avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms, particularly those with rashes or skin lesions.
“Practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
“Wear protective gear (gloves, masks) when caring for someone with suspected or confirmed Mpox.
“Avoid contact with animals that may harbour the virus, such as rodents and primates, especially in areas where Mpox is known to occur.
“Ensure meat is thoroughly cooked before consumption,” It said.
It urged healthcare providers to be vigilant for patients presenting fever, rash, and other mpox symptoms, especially if they have a history of travel to affected areas or contact with suspected cases.
“Promptly isolate suspected cases to prevent transmission within healthcare settings. Notify the relevant public health authorities immediately upon identifying a suspected case.
“Educate patients on the importance of reporting symptoms early and adhering to isolation guidelines if diagnosed with mpox,” it said.
The NCDC said that the National mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), comprising multi-sectoral and multi-partner teams, has continued its efforts to monitor and respond to the outbreak across the nation.
He expressed worry that recent data from the NCDC indicate a surge in mpox cases in urban centers like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, lamenting that the stigma surrounding the disease might prevent those infected from seeking timely medical care.
But he said such stigma stemmed from misconceptions about the disease’s transmission, with many people falsely associating it with certain communities or lifestyles.
He called for intensified public health campaigns to address these challenges, suggesting that the NCDC and WHO collaborate on targeted messaging to dispel myths about mpox.
“These campaigns should focus on educating the public about the disease’s transmission, symptoms, and the importance of early treatment.
“Mpox can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation.
“The goal is to ensure that this message reaches every corner of the country, especially in communities where stigma is most prevalent,” he said.
To combat stigma, Adakole called for community leaders and influencers to help spread accurate information and encourage those showing symptoms to seek medical help.
He advocated the establishment of support systems for those affected by mpox, including counselling services and community outreach programmes.
Dr. Adakole stressed that as the continent of Africa continues to battle the mpox outbreak, addressing the stigma surrounding it and other diseases is crucial for a successful response.
“Religious and traditional leaders should also play a key role in these efforts, using their platforms to promote understanding and empathy.
“These efforts should be aimed at reducing the fear and shame associated with the disease, making it easier for people to access care.
“Without a concerted effort to change public perceptions, the country risks a prolonged epidemic that could have been contained with timely intervention and broad community support,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise compassion over judgment and to support one another in these challenging times.
According to him, the fight against mpox is not just a medical battle but a societal one, requiring unity, understanding, and action from all sectors of society.
WHO has declared the mpox outbreak in parts of Africa a public health emergency of international concern.
The disease, formerly known as monkeypox, has killed at least 450 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has spread to Central and East Africa.
A new, highly fatal variant of the virus, Clade 1b, is spreading rapidly, underscoring the need for a coordinated international response to stop the outbreak.
