NCDC: Monkeypox Outbreak Will Not Lead To Another Lockdown

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is decrying the widespread misinformation regarding monkeypox, especially in Nigeria. On Tuesday, Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director-General, NCDC, stated this during a virtual media dialogue on monkeypox.

However, Mr. Adetifa admitted that there has been an uptick in monkeypox cases in Nigeria, “If not contained, it could exceed the peak number of cases seen in 2017 when the infection re-emerged. Monkeypox is not a plot to cause lockdowns like COVID-19 and there is no evidence of the release of the virus from a laboratory.”

He noted that over 3,000 laboratory-confirmed cases and one death have been recorded globally as of the 22nd of June. According to the NCDC, almost 5,000 human infections with monkeypox have been reported worldwide.

“In Nigeria, there has been no observed change in transmissibility of the virus nor changes in its clinical manifestation documented (including symptoms, profile, and virulence) nor is their evidence of sexual transmission. Apart from misinformation, discrimination and stigmatisation that comes with the Monkeypox infection needs urgent intervention across the globe.”

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He pointed out that “prevailing media perception and misinformation on monkeypox has fuelled false narratives about the virus,” and explained that the potential risk of discrimination and stigmatisation “from this requires urgent social and behaviour change intervention.”

Ever since the resurgence of monkeypox in 2017, Mr. Adetifa said that a multi-agency technical working group that is coordinated at the NCDC, has led Nigeria’s efforts to improve the detection, prevention, and control of monkeypox.

“Importantly, we have gained a better understanding of the epidemiology of the virus to inform preparedness and response in-country,” he said.

Mr. Adetifa revealed that genomic sequencing was ongoing at the NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory so as to identify any possible mutations as well as the epidemiology of the virus.

“Monkeypox is a priority despite being neglected for years, especially during outbreaks as we have had in Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as DRC a few years back,” said the NCDC boss. “While it is unfortunate that it takes such a global spread for the needed attention to be given, here in Nigeria, it has remained a priority for us.”