The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that the males in Nigeria are getting more infected with the dreaded Monkey Pox (Mpox) than females.
This is according to statistical figures NCDC posted on its website. According to the figures obtained, 67 percent of Mpox cases recorded since January 2024 have been in males.
The agency said, “Men are predominantly affected, accounting for approximately 70 per cent of 6,001 suspected and confirmed Mpox cases recorded in Nigeria since September 2017, when the first confirmed cases occurred.”
The figures released revealed that a total of 1,031 suspected cases have been reported across 47 local government areas in 23 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 67 confirmed cases in 2024.
The age and sex distribution in the report showed that children under five years old are the most affected, followed by the 26-30 and 46-50 age groups.
The NCDC highlighted that men are predominantly affected, accounting for approximately 70 per cent of the 6,001 suspected and confirmed Mpox cases recorded in Nigeria since September 2017, when the first confirmed cases occurred.
However, the NCDC disclosed that there have been no fatalities from the disease in 2024, compared to two and seven deaths recorded in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Out of the 64 confirmed cases recorded in 2024, children under five accounted for the highest number, with 15 confirmed cases.
Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. While most people recover fully, some may become seriously ill.
The disease can spread from animals to humans, and between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.
