The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reports that 54 new suspected Mpox cases were recorded in Nigeria during Week 39 of 2024, marking a decline from the 75 cases reported in the previous week.

The NCDC stated this in its latest epidemiological report published on its official website.

According to the agency, the number of confirmed Mpox cases increased, with six new confirmations in Week 39 compared to three the week before.

“The cumulative figures for 2024 show that 84 confirmed cases and 1,237 suspected cases have been reported so far this year,” it said.

Despite the rise in confirmed cases, it said that the country has maintained a low Case Fatality Rate (CFR), with zero deaths recorded from confirmed cases in 2024.

The public health agency noted that as of Week 39, 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have reported confirmed cases of Mpox, affecting 57 Local Government Areas. Plateau, Delta, FCT, Katsina, and Imo states confirmed new cases in the past week.

“Since the outbreak began in September 2017, Nigeria has reported 5,054 suspected cases and 1,170 confirmed cases, with males making up 68 per cent of confirmed cases, mostly aged 21 to 45,” it added.

It said that the National Mpox Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to coordinate the response to the outbreak, collaborating with multiple sectors and partners to contain the spread.

The NCDC explained the importance of preventive measures, including avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, maintaining good hand hygiene, and using protective gear when caring for suspected cases.

It noted that healthcare providers have been urged to remain vigilant, especially in affected areas, and to isolate suspected cases promptly to prevent further transmission.

The agency said it’s also actively engaged in public education, encouraging citizens to report symptoms early and adhere to isolation guidelines if diagnosed with Mpox.

“The public is advised to exercise caution, particularly in states where cases have been reported. Citizens can contact the NCDC’s toll-free number (6232) for more information or to report suspected cases,” the agency advised.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus.

It is similar to smallpox, though generally less severe.

Mpox is characterised by symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

The disease can spread from animals to humans, as well as between humans through close contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and other health bodies renamed monkeypox to “mpox” in 2022 to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with the original name.

(NAN)

By Francesca Hngeior.

A primary healthcare consultant, Dr Yewande Omikunle, has canvassed an improvement in breast cancer education in Nigeria.

Omikunle said a comprehensive health policy reform is one way to get this done.

Omikunle, who is the Director of Public Affairs at Sarah Ayoka Oduwaiye Foundation (SAOF Cancer Charity), said this in a statement on Tuesday to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is annually held in October.

She expressed concern that despite spreading breast cancer awareness, some communities in the country are not adequately informed.

She said, “We must know that numerous ethical issues apply to breast cancer and other chronic cancer diagnoses including informed consent; education of relatives, friends, and the public; patients’ comfort in the discussion of their diagnoses and treatment; access to care; and allocation of scarce resources.

“Breast cancer remains a formidable health challenge in Nigeria, where a significant number of women succumb to the disease, often diagnosed in its late stages.

“The lack of knowledge, deeply ingrained cultural and religious beliefs, and various barriers impede regular breast cancer screening, contributing to the alarming mortality rates among Nigerian women.”

As part of efforts to raise enlightenment, the consultant noted that the SAOF cancer charity embarked on public awareness by dispelling myths, providing factual information, and advocating increased access to affordable and convenient screening services across Nigeria.

She said, “Nigerian society must address these barriers collectively and ensure that every woman has the knowledge, resources, and support needed to detect breast cancer early.

“By fostering a culture of openness, education, and proactive healthcare, we can strive towards reducing the burden of breast cancer mortality and improving the quality of life for all Nigerian women.

“As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, let us unite in the fight against breast cancer, breaking down barriers, raising awareness, and advocating for early detection and access to quality care. There is a need for stronger government intervention and support to bolster existing initiatives and ensure that breast cancer education reaches every corner of Nigeria.”

*Says, they risk infertility

By Francesca Hangeior.

As the world commemorates this year’s Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month, a fertility specialist, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, has said about 70 percent of women living with the condition are not aware that they have it due to ignorance.

PCOS is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age.

Ajayi, who is Medical Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, said PCOS was a prevalent cause of infertility, especially anovulatory infertility.

He also stated that PCOS was the most common cause of hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age, causing disrupted ovulation and a lack of regular menstruation.

The consultant gynaecologist disclosed this during a webinar organised by the fertility centre to commemorate this year’s PCOS awareness month aimed at raising awareness about the condition.

PCOS Awareness Month is a global healthcare event observed annually throughout September. It aims to improve the lives of those affected by the condition, help them overcome their symptoms, and prevent and reduce their risks for life-threatening diseases such as diabetes.

The World Health Organisation says PCOS affects an estimated eight to 13 per cent of reproductive-aged women.

The global health body also states that up to 70 percent of women with the condition remain undiagnosed worldwide despite being a leading cause of infertility.

“PCOS is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age. It usually starts during adolescence, but symptoms may fluctuate over time.

“PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and cysts in the ovaries. Irregular periods, usually with a lack of ovulation, can make it difficult to become pregnant.

“PCOS is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. However, some symptoms can be improved through lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments”, the WHO said.

Ajayi pointed out that the exact cause of PCOS was unknown, adding however that the condition could be genetic.

The consultant gynaecologist said, “September is PCOS awareness month, and that is why we have gathered here today to dispel the myths about PCOS, raise awareness, and offer support to women who are living with the condition so that we can empower them to take care of their health.

“PCOS has no cure, so it is something that they are going to live with for the rest of their lives. So they should understand it. It is a common abnormality in women, and it is a common cause of infertility, especially anovulatory infertility.

“It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women will have PCOs. Unfortunately, about 50 to 70 percent of them will not be diagnosed. So, there are still a lot of misdiagnoses and underdiagnoses going on.”

He noted that due to misdiagnoses, a lot of women were labeled to have PCOS when they were not, and the people who had PÇOs were not diagnosed most of the time.
“So, we must talk about this and ask questions. Why are we having misdiagnosis? We have this because people rely on laboratory results and that might not be true. Two out of three symptoms must be present before diagnosis of PCOS is done”, he said.

According to him, symptoms vary from woman to woman, with some experiencing milder symptoms and others more severe.

“Symptoms are linked to hormones, with women with PCOS having slightly higher testosterone levels, leading to facial hair growth, and insulin resistance, a condition where the body doesn’t respond to insulin, increasing glucose levels and leading to weight gain and fertility issues”, he added.

The maternal health expert explained that the treatment for PCOS and infertility often begins with an ultrasound diagnosis, which helps determine the necessary tests.

“Physical examinations, including height, weight, facial or body hair growth, acne, and discoloration of the skin under the arms, breasts, and groin, can help diagnosis. Insulin resistance, common to PCOS, may play a role in weight gain and the difficulty of losing any extra weight.

“With fertility medications, the chances of getting pregnant with PCOS are quite favorable. Although there is currently no cure for PCOS, some women’s periods do normalize after birth, and those with fertility issues may find it easier to conceive again. IVF is an excellent choice, but its effectiveness depends on individual factors such as age, length of infertility, and weight.

“Many women with PCOS suffer from physical or psychological manifestations of depression, which should be sought by a doctor who is willing to listen to concerns and not dismiss this potential side effect of PCOS,” Ajayi said.

He advised women with the condition to see a maternal health specialist for proper evaluation and appropriate treatment.

“Women with PCOS need a proper evaluation of infertility. If the cause is just PCOS, they will do ovulation induction with drugs and drugs are available.