According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, there are now 481 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the nation.
Even if there are 1,180 suspected cases, this continues.
Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, Director-General of the NCDC, announced this at the ministerial news conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
He added that the nation had so far this year documented seven deaths from monkeypox.
The sporadic occurrence of monkeypox, a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (an infection spread from animals to humans), is most common in isolated communities in Central and West Africa that are close to tropical rainforests.
Adetifa said, “In Nigeria, we have 1,180 suspected cases, 481 confirmed cases, and seven deaths this year from monkeypox.
“Globally, Since January 1, 2022, 107 member states have reported more than 71,237 laboratory-confirmed cases to WHO, including 26 deaths.
“Our response continues with the development of monkeypox risk communication materials, provision of support to states with case identification, SORMAS reporting also.
“With regards to infection, prevention and control, we continue to train IPC focal persons and develop IPC guidelines.
“Laboratory activities have continued and are being strengthened in areas of sample collection and genomic sequencing.”
On Lassa fever, he noted that there had been 933 confirmed cases and 173 deaths of Lassa fever as at Week 39, from 25 states and 102 local government areas.
He said, “Of all confirmed cases, 71 per cent are from Ondo, Edo and Bauchi States.
“Our response activities continue in all areas, particularly in areas of state advocacy, IPC support, and laboratory diagnostics.”