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As Mpox spreads, public health practitioners in Nigeria have warned that the disease is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Recall that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 39 confirmed cases of mpox but no death has been recorded across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory from the beginning of 2024.
The World Health Organisation and Africa Centre for Disease Control had on Tuesday declared a public health emergency over the growing outbreak of mpox on the continent.
There is also a serious and growing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has now expanded outside the country.
Dr Bamidele Odumosu of the Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, said bodily fluids include blood, saliva, semen, and even respiratory droplets, such as those expelled when sneezing.
He said, “Mpox, like other viral infections, spreads primarily through close person-to-person contact or direct contact with the bodily fluids or rashes of an infected individual.
"For example, if an infected person’s body fluids or rash touch another person, that person may contract the virus. Mpox can also be transmitted through contaminated materials, such as clothing or bedsheets, and there have been reports of animal-to-human transmission.”
He explained that Mpox was a viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, saying like smallpox, Mpox belonged to the same family of viruses.
Odumosu said while smallpox had been largely eradicated, monkeypox had persisted as a re-emerging viral infection.
He said, “The first case of monkeypox was reported in Denmark in 1958 during research on monkeys kept for scientific purposes. Later, in 1970, Mpox was discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and from there, it began to spread from one person to another.”
Also a Professor of Public Health at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Tanimola Akande, said Mpox, a zoonotic disease could also be transmitted from infected animal to man.
“It is transmitted by close contact with infected animals and infected persons. Such close contact can also occur during sex and kissing. It can also be transmitted through the environment from materials and surfaces.”
Odumosu suggested that preventing Mpox follows similar guidelines to preventing other viral infections.
He said, “Maintain a safe distance from individuals, similar to the social distancing measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially from those suspected or confirmed to have Mpox.
"Wash your hands regularly with soap and water after daily activities. With vaccines available, getting vaccinated against Mpox offers significant protection against the virus. Isolate individuals suspected to be infected to prevent the spread of the virus. Prevent transmission by avoiding contact with the body fluids of infected individuals.”
