The Federal Government has intensified monitoring and screening procedures at all entry points into the country in response to the Monkeypox outbreak.
Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (i.e., disease of animals transmitted from animals to humans) that is endemic in several African countries including the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, August 15 signed by his Special Adviser on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, reported 39 confirmed cases of mpox but no death across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory from the beginning of 2024.
The statement quoted the minister as noting that the NCDC and the Nigeria Ports Health Services, under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, had been taking steps to fortify Nigeria’s defences before the declaration of mpox as a public health emergency.
He further explained that the government had implemented a new mandate requiring all travellers to complete an online health declaration form before departing for the country.
The outbreak has swept through several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The minister advised the public to practise good hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after contact with an infected person or animal.