The Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday placed key entry points into the country on high alert following the outbreak of the Mpox virus in Africa. Authorities have put nine states including Lagos and Abuja under watch.
In a move to combat the escalating public health threats in Nigeria, Dr. Jide Idris, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in Africa.
Dr. Idris described the seriousness of the situation, noting that over 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths have been reported in 13 African countries in 2024 alone. In Nigeria, 39 confirmed cases have been recorded across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with no reported fatalities yet. Bayelsa State leads with (5) Cross River (5), Ogun (4), Lagos (4), Ondo (3), and Ebonyi (3) leading the pack.
“The alarming increase in Mpox cases across Africa and the potential for cross-border transmission necessitates immediate and coordinated action,” Dr. Idris stated. “This press conference marks our commitment to intensify efforts in controlling the spread of this virus and preventing its importation into unaffected areas.”
Dr. Idris urged the public to adhere to strict infection prevention measures, including avoiding contact with potentially infected animals, practicing good hygiene, and reporting suspected cases to healthcare facilities immediately. The Nigerian government is also working to make vaccines available, particularly in high-risk areas.
“We are at a critical juncture in our public health journey,” he said. “Our collective actions today will determine our ability to safeguard the health of Nigerians in the months and years to come.”
Dr. Jide Idris, noted that the Centre is conducting contact tracing and monitoring for confirmed cases to prevent further spread.
“As part of the government’s ongoing efforts, we have intensified surveillance across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases.
“This includes putting all port health services across all 5 international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders on high alert,” Dr. Idris added.
Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, has also assured the public that the government has implemented a new mandate requiring all travelers to complete an online health declaration form before departing for the country.
FRANCE ALSO PUTS HEALTH SYSTEM ON MAXIMUM ALERT DUE TO MPOX CONCERNS
France has put the country’s health system on “maximum alert level” amid mpox concerns, the outgoing prime minister said on Friday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Gabriel Attal wrote on X that he held a meeting with Health Minister Catherine Vautrin and Minister Delegate for Health and Prevention, Frederic Valletoux.
“Over the recent days, following the emergence of a new variant and the increasing circulation of the virus in Africa, the WHO (World Health Organization) and the ECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) raised the alert level … As a result of this meeting, we place our health system at the maximum alert level,” Attal wrote on X.
He recalled that France fought against the mpox epidemic since its outbreak in 2022 by “monitoring, rapid diagnosis, and vaccination.”
The premier noted that 107 cases have been detected in the country since the start of this year.
