The National Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has declared an outbreak of monkeypox. With 41 confirmed cases from January to August 2024 across different states in Nigeria, it’s clear that the country is dealing with a serious public health crisis.
Cases of an outbreak have also been reported in countries across Africa, with the Democratic Republic of Congo recording 15,664 potential cases and 548 deaths since the beginning of the year. Other countries with high cases include Burundi, Central African Republic, Benin, Ghana, Gabon, Kenya and Rwanda.
Data from the NCDC reveals that 786 suspected cases have been reported across 19 states, some of which have been placed on high alert. The affected states are Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, and Abuja.
The NCDC has placed health services at Nigeria’s international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land borders on high alert.
Everything you need to know about Monkeypox
Monkeypox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus. It is a viral infection that can spread between people, mainly through close contact and occasionally from the environment to people via things and surfaces that a person with monkeypox has touched.
Monkeypox can spread through close contact of any kind, including kissing, touching, oral and penetrative vaginal or anal sex with an infected person. People who have sex with new or multiple partners are most at risk.
People with monkeypox are considered infectious until all their lesions have crusted over, the scabs have fallen off, and a new layer of skin has formed underneath. Lesions usually appear on the eyes and in the body (mouth, throat, eyes, vagina, and anus). It usually takes two to four weeks for all the lesions to heal.
Symptoms of Monkeypox
While some people have less severe symptoms, others may develop more serious illnesses and need care in a health facility. Common symptoms of monkeypox include a rash that may last for 2–3 weeks. This may start with or be followed by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen glands (lymph nodes).
The rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genitals, or anal regions. The number of sores can range from one to several thousand.
Treatment
Pre-infection (or prevention)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended some vaccines for use against monkeypox—the MVA-BN or LC16 vaccines or the ACAM2000 vaccine when the others are unavailable. However, mass vaccination is not currently recommended because it isn’t as contagious as other viruses. Only people who are at risk (for example, someone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox or belongs to a group at high risk of exposure to monkeypox) should be considered for vaccination.
Post-infection
According to WHO, treatment is limited to alleviating symptoms because there is no known cure for monkeypox. Outbreaks are contained by isolating patients and observing strict hygiene around them. Anyone with monkeypox recovering at home should focus on staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough sleep.
It’s essential for those self-isolating to prioritise their mental well-being by engaging in activities they enjoy, staying connected with loved ones through technology, exercising if they feel up to it, and seeking mental health support when necessary.
People infected with monkeypox should refrain from scratching their skin and wash their hands before and after touching the lesions, keeping the skin dry and uncovered.
The rash can be cleaned with sterilised water or an antiseptic. Saltwater rinses are suitable for mouth sores, while warm baths with baking soda and Epsom salts can alleviate discomfort from body sores. Paracetamol can be used to manage lesion pain, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for stronger pain relief options.
Prevention
Avoid close contact with anyone who has monkeypox, including sexual contact. Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Also, protect yourself by avoiding unprotected contact with wild animals, especially those that are sick or dead (including their meat and blood). Any food containing animal parts or meat should be cooked thoroughly before eating.
