To date more than a dozen human monkeypox cases have been reported in the southern Nigerian states of Bayelsa and Rivers. Now the Nigerian news source, The Premium Times reports that an additional case has been reported in neighboring Akwa Ibom State.

Nigeria map divided by states/United Nations
Nigeria map divided by states/United Nations

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) first reported on the outbreak in Bayelsa on Thursday saying they were notified of the first case in an 11 year old male patient on Sep. 22.

A Rapid Response Team from NCDC was immediately deployed to support the Bayelsa State Government in the investigations and public health response to the outbreak.

Since that time, a “monkeypox advisory” was issued offering advice to the public on preventive measures.

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease indigenous to Central Africa. In humans, the disease is similar to smallpox, though milder.

According to the CDC, the symptoms of monkeypox are as follows: About 12 days after people are infected with the virus, they will get a fever, headache, muscle aches, and backache; their lymph nodes will swell; and they will feel tired. One to 3 days (or longer) after the fever starts, they will get a rash. This rash develops into raised bumps filled with fluid and often starts on the face and spreads, but it can start on other parts of the body too. The bumps go through several stages before they get crusty, scab over, and fall off. The illness usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.

Rodents, such as rope squirrels, door mice and pouched rats, are the suspected reservoir hosts, with monkeys and humans as secondary, spill-over hosts.

People at risk for monkeypox are those who get bitten by an infected animal or if you have contact with the animal’s rash, blood or body fluids. It can also be transmitted person to person through respiratory or direct contact and contact with contaminated bedding or clothing.

There is no specific treatment for monkeypox.

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