Posted Feb 23, 2018

According to Nigeria's Ministry of Health, more than 10 suspected cases of monkeypox per month are occurring. More than 210 cases (including 80 laboratory-confirmed and 5 deaths) have been reported since September 2017 in Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and in 23 of 36 states, mainly in southern and western areas (particularly in Bayelsa and Rivers states). Confirmed cases have been reported in FCT and 13 states. The outbreak is past peak. Epidemiological investigations are under way to determine the relation between cases; preliminary results suggest multiple sources of introduction of the virus into the human population. Many suspected cases are expected to test negative. Travelers are advised to avoid consumption of bushmeat and direct contact with rodents and other animals in affected regions. Human-to-human transmission via respiratory droplets or contact with skin lesions is possible.