Mpox in Nigeria

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious viral disease that has been endemic in West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, for decades. The disease in Nigeria is caused by the clade 2 mpox virus. Nigeria has a long history with mpox, with the first human case identified in 1971. After an intermittent period of no reported cases, the disease re-emerged in 2017 and has since seen a progressive increase in frequency and geographic distribution, becoming a significant public health concern. The 2022 global outbreak of mpox, which spread to numerous non-endemic countries, has been linked to a strain that emerged and circulated in Nigeria for years prior.

Challenges in Nigeria's response include limited access to diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, as well as issues with public awareness and surveillance. Efforts are being made by Nigerian health authorities and international partners to strengthen the country's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to mpox outbreaks.