ECOWAS Raises Alarm Over Spread Of Mpox

The ECOWAS Regional Centre for Surveillance and Disease Control has confirmed 44 confirmed cases of monkey pox and one death by the end of Epi Week 33, 2024.

It is understood that Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Ghana are the hardest-hit countries in ECOWAS.

Mpox, or monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, part of the Orthopoxvirus genus. While it shares similarities with smallpox, it is generally less severe.

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The virus spreads from animals to humans through direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids, or lesions of infected animals.

Human-to-human transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, contact with infected body fluids, or exposure to contaminated objects.

“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 revealed.

However, the African continent has continued to experience significant challenges in controlling the spread of Mpox, with a marked increase in cases and fatalities since the beginning of 2024.

With 37,583 cases and 1,451 deaths reported this year, the continent is facing a massive public health emergency.