Monkey pox outbreak; FG tightens border

In response to the Monkeypox outbreak, the Federal Government has stepped up monitoring and screening at all entry points. Prof. Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced this in a statement on Thursday, citing 39 confirmed cases and no deaths across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory in 2024.

The government is implementing enhanced measures, including requiring travelers to complete an online health declaration form before arriving in Nigeria. Infectious disease centers are also being activated in all states and the FCT.

Prof. Pate emphasized the importance of these measures due to the Mpox Clade 1 strain, which has been fatal in previous outbreaks. Public hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizer, are also being encouraged.

The Africa Centre for Disease Control has declared a public health emergency over the outbreak, which has now spread to several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo. The World Health Organization is concerned about the rapid spread of a new viral strain, Clade 1b.