Lagos, Ogun top list as NCDC records 30 new cases of monkeypox

A total of 30 new cases of monkeypox have been recorded in Nigeria, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not spread easily between people. It is usually a mild self-limiting illness and most people recover within a few weeks. However, severe illness can occur in some individuals.

The NCDC, in its latest monkeypox situation report, said the cases were confirmed in 12 states.

The states include Lagos (13), Ogun (3), Akwa Ibom (2), Anambra (2), Borno (2), Kaduna (2), Rivers (1), Bayelsa (1), Delta (1), Katsina (1), Osun (1), and Taraba (1).

“From 1st January to 11th September 2022, Nigeria has recorded 349 confirmed cases (male 65%) from thirty (30) states,” the report reads.

“Seven (7) associated deaths have been recorded from 7 states in 2022 – Delta (1), Lagos (1), Ondo (1) and Akwa Ibom (1), Kogi (1), Taraba (1) and Imo (1). Case fatality ratio (CFR) of 2.0%.”

According to the report, from January 1 to September 11, Lagos recorded the highest number of monkeypox cases with 76 cases, followed by Rivers with 21, and Bayelsa with 20.

NCDC also added that individuals aged between 31 and 40 have been most affected in 2022.

“Overall, since its re-emergence in September 2017, one thousand, three hundred & ninety two (1,392) suspected cases have been reported from 35 states & the FCT. 41.3% of these suspected cases were positive for the disease,” the report reads.

“Fifteen (15) deaths have been recorded since its re-emergence (CFR= 2.6%) in eleven states – Lagos (3), Edo (2), Imo (2), Cross River (1), FCT (1), Rivers (1), Ondo (1) Delta (1), Akwa Ibom (1), Taraba (1) and Kogi (1).”

Meanwhile, the current number of cases confirmed in 2022 is the highest for a year since the outbreak in 2017.