MPOX Outbreak: ECOWAS raise concern as Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia report highlight cases

August 17, 2024.

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has raised concern on the rapid spread of Mpox (monkeypox) in it region.

The bloc’s Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control has reported that Mpox is still spreading in the region, with 44 confirmed cases and one death recorded by the end of Epi Week 33, 2024.

According to Saturday’s report, August 17, 2024, the Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control confirms that Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Ghana are the most affected countries in ECOWAS.

The YorubaTimes report that Mpox (monkeypox) is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever. Most people fully recover, but some get very sick.

According to the regional bloc disease control, “As of August 15, 2024, the ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control continues to monitor the Mpox situation in the ECOWAS region, as well as continental and global level.

“As at Epi Week 33, a total of 44 confirmed cases and one death have been reported in the ECOWAS region since the beginning of the year; Nigeria (24), Cote d’Ivoire (11), Liberia (5) and Ghana (4), the report read”.

However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has said that 39 cases have already been recorded in the country.

The disease has been declared Public Health Emergency of International/ Continental Concern by both the WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).