Health

Monkeypox Cases Rise, Spread To 26 States, FCT

Published

3 years ago

August 22, 2022

Cases of monkeypox have spread to 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), raising fears among citizens.

This is just as experts have called for increased efforts by all stakeholders towards curbing the situation. Monkeypox is a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to humans.

From January to August this year, 473 suspected cases and 172 confirmed cases have been recorded.

An analysis of situation reports from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) shows that the number of cases recorded in the country so far this year is higher than those recorded each in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. In the whole of 2017, there were 88 confirmed cases, 49 in 2018, 47 in 2019, 8 in 2020 and 34 in 2021.

Since the beginning of this year, several countries have also witnessed an unprecedented outbreak of monkeypox, prompting the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, to, July 23, declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern.

Spike in cases across states

The disease has been spreading across states and the FCT over the last few months.

As of May 29, a total of 21 confirmed cases with one death were reported from nine states and the FCT. The cases rose to 36 and spread to 15 states and the FCT by June 12. Less than two weeks later, the cases grew to 41. In the epidemiological week 25 alone (June 20 to 26 2022), there were 21 positive cases out of 42 suspected cases.

By July, the number of cases had hit 157 out of 413 suspected cases with the number of affected states also rising to 25 states and the FCT.

Between July 25 and 31, a total of 24 confirmed cases of monkeypox were recorded.

READ ALSO:

As of August 7, the disease had spread to 27 states and confirmed cases risen to 172 since the beginning of the year out of 473 suspected cases. The number of deaths had also risen to four with Delta, Lagos, Ondo and Akwa Ibom recording one case each.

The latest NCDC situation report showed that in the first week of August alone, 60 suspected cases were recorded from 10 states out of which 15 new confirmed cases were recorded.

The states that have recorded monkeypox cases since the beginning of the year are Lagos (20), Ondo (16), Adamawa (13), Rivers (13), Delta (12), Bayelsa (12), Edo (9), Nasarawa (9), Anambra (7), Imo (7), Plateau (6), Taraba (5).

Others are Kwara (5), Kano (5), Abia (4), Cross River (3), Borno (3), Oyo (3), Gombe (3), Katsina (2), Kogi (2), Ogun (2), Niger (1), Bauchi (1), Akwa Ibom (1) and Ebonyi (1) as well as FCT (7).

Experts’ views

An epidemiologist and microbiologist with the African Field Epidemiology Network, Dr Muhammad Shakir Balogun, stressed the need to quickly act to reduce the spread of monkeypox.

He advised Nigerians on precautionary measures: “To protect yourself, avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox; don’t touch the rash of a person with monkeypox; don’t kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox; avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used; don’t share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox; don’t handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox.

“In addition, avoid contact with animals that can spread monkeypox virus, usually rodents and primates. Also, avoid sick or dead animals as well as bedding or other materials they’ve touched”.

According to him, though there are vaccines for monkeypox, they’re not widely available yet and “where they’re available, they’re given to people at high risk.”

A professor of Virology, Sunday Omilabu, urged the Federal Government to acquire smallpox vaccines to stem the tide of monkeypox.

In his interview with Arise TV, monitored by our correspondents, he said: “Government should negotiate for smallpox vaccine as other European countries are doing to prevent more cases of the virus.”

Director-General, NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, said since the re-emergence of monekypox in 2017, the agency had made investments to increase surveillance, diagnostics, risk communications and research capacity despite limited resources.

“These investments, coupled with an awareness of the ongoing global outbreak, have increased Nigerians’ awareness of the disease leading to an increase in the number of monkeypox cases detected in Nigeria,” he said.

He commended state epidemiologists and local government area disease surveillance notification officers for facilitating the timely detection of monkeypox cases that might have been missed in other years. He enjoined Nigerians, particularly those with immunocompromised or underlying health conditions, to be aware of the symptoms of monkeypox and its associated risks.

He also advised the citizens to “promptly report to their nearest health facility if they or their relatives observe such symptoms including rash containing pus on the body surfaces such as the face, hands, soles of feet etc.”

On the fears over the spread of monkeypox, Adetifa, however, said no cause for alarm as the variant in circulation tends to resolve on its own spontaneously or without any specific treatment.

He said: “The monkeypox virus in circulation (clade IIa formerly known as the West African clade) is the same as before and has not changed in virulence. Research has shown that this variant is self-limiting.”

READ ALSO:

He said the NCDC-led national monkeypox Emergency Operations Centre continued to work with states to support ongoing monkeypox response activities in surveillance, risk communications, laboratory diagnostics, case management and infection prevention and control.

What to know about monkeypox

Animal-to-human transmission of Monkeypox may occur by direct contact with blood, body fluids, skin or mucosal lesions of infected animals such as monkeys, squirrels and rodents.

Symptoms include fever, body pain, weakness, sore throat and rashes on the face, palms, soles of the feet and other parts of the body.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of lesions is the mainstay of monkeypox diagnosis. Swabs and scabs from skin lesions are sent to the designated reference laboratory in dry containers. Serum samples can also be taken; however, these often yield negative results due to the transient viraemia.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, noted that there are two types of monkeypox virus: the West African and Central Africa variants.

According to him, infections in the current global outbreak are from the West African type and are less fatal; while the Central Africa variant is more fatal and confined to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Director, Public Health, Edo State Ministry of Health, Stephenson Ojeifo, said the state had carried out contact tracing of about 200 persons who had contact with the positive cases and they were all declared negative after laboratory investigations.

He said the state had put in place a surveillance mechanism while also reactivating its health education unit to sensitise the public on the zoonotic disease.

Ojeifo said the patients were treated in the state’s isolation centres.

Some of the residents of the state, who spoke to Daily Trust, suggested that sensitisation programmes on monkeypox be taken to rural areas.

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Health, Daniel Umezurike, said someone who tested positive to monkeypox recently had been moved to an isolation centre and was responding to treatment.

He said seven contacts and line listed individuals had been identified and were currently being followed up to avoid the spread of the virus.

“Active case search has been heightened across all the LGAs in the state to strengthen case finding.

“We’re also using this opportunity to appeal to Ebonyians to report to any nearest hospital in your area if they notice any symptoms like that of monkeypox,” he said.

Daily Trust

Health

NAFDAC uncovers syndicate scamming foreign firms with fake documents

Published

2 days ago

March 15, 2025

Trends Admin

NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye

NAFDAC uncovers syndicate scamming foreign firms with fake documents

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a fraudulent syndicate impersonating the agency to scam foreign companies using fake documents.

The agency announced the discovery in a statement by Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye FAS, its Director General, following a petition from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, Abu Dhabi, UAE, which fell victim to the scam.

It was revealed that the syndicate is being led by one Ikoro Mang Ifendu who was arrested on February 7, 2025, in Aba, Abia State for allegedly defrauding foreign firms by posing as a NAFDAC official.

“Mr. Ikoro Mang Ifendu of 26, Park Road, Aba Abia State, born on the 2nd of January, 1973, was arrested on the 7th of February 2025 at Ogborn Hills, Aba, Abia State in a case of alleged fraud and obtaining huge funds by false pretence from unsuspecting foreigners that cuts across various countries as a NAFDAC Staff. He is a native of Amamba Village, Abiriba in Ohafia LGA, Abia State. His level of education is SSCE and he deals in clothing materials. The suspect is in our custody and is cooperating with the investigation,” the agency stated.

How the syndicate operated

NAFDAC disclosed that the syndicate used a sophisticated three-pronged scheme involving a buyer, a bank, and a lawyer. First, a buyer would contact foreign firms to purchase goods for importation into Nigeria.

READ ALSO:

The company would then be introduced to a bank, where they were informed that NAFDAC approval was required for transactions. A lawyer would subsequently be introduced, claiming to facilitate NAFDAC certification for a fee. Fraudulent receipts and counterfeit NAFDAC certificates were issued to victims.

The fraudulent operation extended across multiple banks and accounts. Investigations revealed that the group managed 15 domiciliary and 5 local accounts in seven Nigerian banks, with an inflow of over $950,000 into Nigerian accounts and $450,000 into offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Even after Ifendu’s arrest, foreign victims continued to send money, with a recent alert of $75,000 received in one of the accounts.

Fake documents used in the scam

The documents used to deceive foreign companies included:

A counterfeit Certificate of Registration for Dried Fish (Seafood) under the NAFDAC Registration No. A2-7059, issued to Thani Almaeeni Trading Group.
Fake revenue receipts, including a N6,687,000 receipt dated November 28, 2024, and another N20,900,000 receipt dated December 13, 2024.
A forged processing requirement document for $13,785, purportedly signed by a former NAFDAC director who retired a year earlier.
Fraudulent Swift Advice copies, including a $1,990 transaction to Rosemary Obosi and a $3,000 transaction to Ifendu.
A telegraphic transfer record showing USD 132,972.84 sent to Citycode Savings & Loans, Lagos, on December 24, 2024.

The fraudsters also used letterheads falsely to identify themselves as HALI & CO Chambers, operated by Ifendu and Obosi.

Foreign companies affected

Aside from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group, other victims identified include
Japan Long Tie (China) Co. Ltd, Jinan, China (importation of condoms
BEYOND-Korea, USA
Aquaforest SP, Poland (drinks and vegetable oil registration)
Nomea srl, Italy
Tianyan Filter Cloth Co. Ltd, China
Siam Canadian China Ltd, China (frozen onion spices)

Case transferred to EFCC

Following NAFDAC’s findings, the case will be transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation. The probe will extend beyond NAFDAC-regulated products to track assets acquired through fraudulent activities.

“This investigation will invoke POCA [Proceeds of Crime Act] on all the assets illegally acquired in the course of these fraudulent activities,” NAFDAC stated.

NAFDAC has warned businesses against engaging consulting firms claiming to facilitate product registrations.

The agency advised firms to verify all NAFDAC-related registrations through its official portal: https://registration.nafdac.gov.ng/

NAFDAC uncovers syndicate scamming foreign firms with fake documents

Health

Diphtheria outbreak: Lagos begins vaccination at King’s College

Published

6 days ago

March 11, 2025

Trends Admin

Diphtheria outbreak: Lagos begins vaccination at King’s College

The Lagos State Government has launched a diphtheria vaccination drive at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, following an outbreak of the disease.

The state health authorities have activated emergency measures to contain the spread and protect students.

In a statement by the state’s ministry of health, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, confirmed that an Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) has been set up to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

“The Lagos State Government has activated its Emergency Response Committee, following the outbreak of diphtheria in the boarding house of King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe,” the statement read.

Newstrends earlier reported that parents raised alarm over the situation, questioning the school’s response and sanitation standards.

According to Abayomi, the index case was a 12-year-old student who presented with a sore throat and fever at the school clinic on February 22. He was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he was diagnosed with diphtheria and treated with antibiotics and a full dose of diphtheria antitoxin serum.

“Despite the timely intervention, the boy succumbed to progressive and irreversible inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) on the 6th of March. Myocarditis is a severe and recognized complication of the bacterial infection caused by the toxin,” Abayomi said.

READ ALSO:

He further disclosed that 34 close contacts of the deceased student were placed under observation, out of which 14 developed symptoms consistent with diphtheria.

“Of these, 14 have developed symptoms consistent with diphtheria. In response, the affected students were transported to the Children’s Emergency Unit at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where they were screened by health professionals,” he added.

Out of the 14 students examined, 12 were diagnosed with early signs of diphtheria and admitted for treatment. The Commissioner assured that all 14 symptomatic students are responding well to treatment, and no new cases have been recorded.

Following a preliminary inspection of King’s College Annexe, health officials identified areas needing improved infection prevention and control measures.

Consequently, the state government, in collaboration with federal health agencies, has commenced a targeted vaccination campaign for all students in both the boarding facility at Victoria Island Annexe and the primary academic campus at Igbosere Main School.

The Lagos State Government also noted that the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) have been notified and are working with the Lagos State Government to coordinate an effective response.

The state is currently distributing information leaflets to healthcare facilities detailing diphtheria symptoms, prevention, and early treatment options.

A public health announcement is being prepared to sensitize Lagosians on the outbreak, urging them to watch for symptoms such as sore throat, fever, difficulty in breathing, and swollen neck glands.

Diphtheria outbreak: Lagos begins vaccination at King’s College

Health

Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years — Expert

Published

1 week ago

March 7, 2025

Trends Admin

Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years — Expert

A leading medical expert, Dr. Ibrahim Wada, has suggested that advancements in medical technology and genetic engineering could push the human lifespan to 250 years in the next 30 to 40 years.

Wada, the founder of Nisa Medical Group, made this claim while delivering the Second Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) on Thursday.

His lecture, titled “The Longevity of Man,” explored the rapid pace of scientific breakthroughs that may soon redefine human aging.

He pointed to remarkable progress in genetic science, highlighting the creation of artificial eggs and sperm from human saliva, which could eventually lead to babies being grown in artificial wombs.

“This technology has already produced live rats. It is only a matter of time before humans benefit from similar advancements,” he said.

Wada, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, noted that innovations in stem cell research, artificial organs, and genetic reprogramming could revolutionize human health and longevity.

READ ALSO:

“Recreating stem cells from a person’s genes and reintroducing them into the body can regenerate dead cells and significantly extend lifespan,” he explained. “In another 30 to 40 years, it will be normal for individuals to expect to live for 200 or even 250 years. This will happen because humanity has now entered the age of computer reprogramming.”

Despite the potential of these innovations, Wada expressed concern that such advanced treatments are not yet accessible in Nigeria. He also underscored the importance of lifestyle choices in promoting longevity, emphasizing regular medical check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate rest.

“Rest is essential for brain function. So, when it is time to rest, you must allow the brain to rest – no compromise,” he advised.

During the event, UNIPORT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, reflected on the legacy of Prof. Nimi Briggs, describing him as a visionary leader and academic powerhouse.

“This is because it is not the breath we take, but the fire we ignite,” Georgewill remarked, raising the question of whether longevity is purely biological or tied to a person’s impact on the world.

Prof. Ngozi Orazulike, Chair of the Nimi Briggs Professorial Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, praised Briggs’ significant contributions to medicine, education, and philanthropy.

Meanwhile, the late professor’s son, Nima Briggs, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition of his father’s legacy.

“It is humbling to see my father’s legacy live on, with events still being organised to honour his memory,” he said.