Public advisory
To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly urge members of the public to adhere to proven infection prevention and control measures. These practices are essential in limiting the transmission of the Mpox virus. This includes:
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| Mpox in Nigeria – Prevention |
1. Avoid contact with animals that could harbour the virus including sick or dead animals in areas where MPX has been confirmed
2. Avoid contact with any material that has been in contact with a sick animal.
3. Avoid unnecessary physical contact with persons infected with MPX
4. Isolate potentially infected animals from other animals
5. Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water especially after caring for or visiting sick people
6. Ensuring all animal food products are properly cooked before eating
7. Use of appropriate protective clothing and gloves while handling sick animals or their infected tissues and during slaughtering procedures
8. Report all cases with the associated symptoms mentioned above to the nearest health facility for care, and/or call the NCDC toll-free line on 6232
9. The Nigerian government is making an effort to make vaccines available to the public, especially hotspot areas. The vaccine has been shown to have a favourable safety profile,
10. Healthcare workers (both private & public) are further advised to:
• When caring for patients, always follow standard safety measures, including precautions against droplets, regardless of their diagnosis. These steps are crucial for protecting both patients and healthcare workers.
• Wash hands with soap and water after contact with patients and/or their environment
• Maintain a high index of suspicion for MPX, especially for patients presenting with fever and vesicular/pustular rash in all parts of the country at this time.
• During triage, use precautionary measures such as placing a surgical mask over the nose and mouth of suspected patients and covering any exposed skin lesions with a sheet or gown
• Isolate all patients suspected of having MPX as soon as possible
• Wear personal protective equipment (gloves, gown, and masks) before close contact with suspected cases and dispose of it properly
• Correctly disinfect all contaminated equipment (including bedding) using bleach unless otherwise indicated and dispose of all waste properly
• Report all cases to the State Epidemiologist/LGA Public Health Department immediately or call the NCDC toll-free line at 6232.
• Samples taken from humans for investigation of the mpox virus should be handled by trained staff and sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
The National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), a multi-sectoral body housed within the NCDC, continues to coordinate Mpox response activities. 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.
Diagnostic protocols according to the IDSR are now distributed to these locations and port health officers are on high alert and screening for suspected cases. Some states have also been put on high alert including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Taraba.
We are also considering vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, as Nigeria expects to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine.
We remain committed to sharing updates based on new findings and recommendations by the WHO, Africa CDC and the National Mpox TWG. We urge the public to avoid sharing unverified information and only share information shared by either the NCDC or other official health authorities.
ncdc.gov.ng
Read: Mpox Signs and Symptoms
