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Monkeypox in Nigeria (Update 1)

08 October 2018

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) transmission of monkeypox continues in Nigeria. From September 2017 to 15 September 2018, 269 cases in 25 states and one territory were reported. Seven deaths were recorded, four of whom had underlying health problems. Seventy-six cases have been reported in 2018. These have been reported from (Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, Plateau and Rivers States and the Federal Capital Territory.

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.