Monkeypox in Nigeria - New Information

In September 2019, health officials reported 5 new confirmed monkeypox cases who resided in the states of Lagos, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom. So far in 2019, a total of 81 suspected cases have been reported in the states of Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Anambra, Cross River, Oyo, Zamfara, Imo and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the 3 previously mentioned states.

Advice

Travellers are at low risk of exposure since monkeypox is a relatively rare disease caused by a virus that is closely related to the smallpox virus. Infection with monkeypox is not as serious as smallpox, but human deaths have occurred. The virus is transmitted by the bite of infected rodents or from person to person through respiratory or direct contact with an infected person.

The symptoms of monkeypox include fever, headache, muscle aches, backaches, swollen lymph nodes and a fluid filled rash, starting on the face. Eventually, the rash becomes crusty and the scabs will fall off. The illness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.