Monkeypox in Nigeria (Update 1)
21 Dec 2017
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control reports that 61 confirmed cases and 2 probable cases have been recorded since the onset of the outbreak. One death has been recorded in a confirmed case with an immune-compromised condition.
Since the onset of the outbreak, a total of 172 cases (suspected, confirmed and probable) have been recorded from 22 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Advice to Travellers
Monkeypox is a rare infection related to smallpox. It resembles the less severe variola minor form of smallpox and has the potential to be fatal in 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. Smallpox vaccine may offer some protection but is generally offered to those at high risk eg laboratory staff or healthcare workers in an outbreak situation.