ABSTRACT
Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral zoonosis that mostly prevalent in tropical rainforests of
Central and West Africa and can also be found in other parts of the world. Only three
(3) cases have been documented in Nigeria before 2017, with the first occurrence being
in 1971. There have been 558 suspected cases reported from 32 states from 2017-2022.
In 22 states, 241 (43.2%) of the reported cases have been confirmed. However, between
September 2017 and April 30th, 2022, eight (8) deaths (CFR= 3.3%) were reported in
six states. MPXV is transmitted from one person to another by close contact with lesions,
body fluids, respiratory secretions and infected materials such as bedding. Common
symptoms are fever, rash, and enlarged lymph nodes, which can lead to a variety of
medical conditions. The incubation period lasts 7–14 days on average. MPX has a
similar clinical presentation to smallpox. Since Nigeria is a resource-poor country with
inadequate infrastructure, technical skills, and training, laboratory diagnosis, along
with prevention and management of MPX infection, remains difficult in Nigeria.
Vaccines used during the smallpox eradication programme, however, still provide
protection against MPX. The MPXV potential to mutate, it is possible bioweapons
threat, and its re-emergence in Nigeria all add to the urgency of better understanding
the symptoms and prevention of MPX infection.
KEYWORDS: Monkeypox, Smallpox, Infection, Monkeypox virus, Nigeria