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Monkeypox in Nigeria

17 September 2018

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued its first update on cases of monkeypox in the country since February 2018, following the discovery of 2 cases in the UK. Between September 2017 and 31 August 2018, there have been 262 suspected cases of monkeypox in Nigeria, with 7 deaths. NCDC previously reported that 4 of those who died had underlying medical conditions.

Advice to Travellers

Monkeypox is a rare infection related to smallpox. It resembles the less severe variola minor form of smallpox and is generally fatal in only a minority of cases. Monkeypox is unusual in travellers and tends to occur in isolated rural or forest areas.

Nearly all cases have occurred in Central or West Africa, with only a few cases ever reported outside Africa. Most infections result from direct contact with the blood, body fluids, or cutaneous/ mucosal lesions of infected animals including monkeys, giant rats, squirrels and rabbits. Rodents are the major source of infection. Eating undercooked meat of infected animals is a possible risk factor.

There is no specific vaccine or treatment for monkeypox and prevention is by avoiding contact with infected animals and people.

For further information see Monkeypox.