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Mpox (Monkeypox) in Nigeria

What Nigerians need to know about mpox — transmission, symptoms, and treatment.

Nigeria has been affected by mpox (formerly monkeypox) outbreaks since 2017, making it one of the most affected countries in Africa. The 2022 global outbreak brought international attention to the disease. Mpox is caused by the monkeypox virus (a relative of smallpox) and is far less severe than smallpox — most people recover fully without specific treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

✓ Fever — typically the first symptom
✓ Headache and muscle aches
✓ Swollen lymph nodes — especially in the neck, armpits, or groin (distinguishes mpox from chickenpox)
✓ Rash appearing 1–5 days after fever: starts on the face, spreads to body, including palms and soles
✓ Rash progresses through stages: macules → papules → vesicles → pustules → scabs
✓ Rash may be extremely painful or itchy
✓ Oral or genital lesions (particularly in the 2022 clade Ib outbreak)
✓ Self-limiting in most cases — illness lasts 2–4 weeks

Risk Factors

When to Seek Help

SoonFever with a new characteristic rash — especially with swollen lymph nodes. Mpox should be considered and is notifiable in Nigeria.
NowSevere difficulty swallowing (oropharyngeal lesions), severe breathlessness, eye pain or vision change, or in a person with HIV — possible severe mpox requiring hospital care.
RoutineContact tracing if notified of exposure to a confirmed case.

Tests & Diagnosis

🧪 PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test on Lesion Swab
The diagnostic standard — a swab of a skin lesion tested by PCR. Available through NCDC reference laboratories in Nigeria.
🧪 Clinical Assessment
The characteristic rash progression, swollen lymph nodes, and exposure history allow clinical diagnosis in many cases.
🧪 HIV Test
Important in all confirmed cases — HIV co-infection increases severity and changes management.

Treatment Options

1
Supportive Care — the Primary Treatment
Most healthy adults recover without specific antiviral treatment. Adequate hydration, nutrition, pain management, and wound care for lesions.
2
Tecovirimat (TPOXX)
An antiviral with activity against orthopoxviruses — used for severe mpox, particularly in immunocompromised patients or those with severe mucosal or eye involvement. Available through NCDC.
3
Wound Care and Infection Prevention
Lesions should be kept clean and dry. Avoid touching lesions then touching eyes or mouth. Separate personal items (towels, bedding). Isolation until all lesions have fully scabbed and healed.
4
Vaccination
The smallpox vaccine (MVA-BN/JYNNEOS) is effective against mpox — used for post-exposure prophylaxis and for high-risk groups. Contact NCDC for current availability in Nigeria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mpox the same as chickenpox?
No — though the rashes look similar. Mpox is caused by a different virus (monkeypox virus, related to smallpox). Key distinguishing feature: mpox causes swollen lymph nodes, which chickenpox does not. Mpox lesions are also typically more uniform in their stage of development.
Is mpox a sexually transmitted infection?
Mpox can spread through close physical contact, including sexual contact — this was the predominant transmission route in the 2022 global outbreak. However, it also spreads through non-sexual close contact (skin-to-skin, respiratory droplets in prolonged contact) and from animals.
How long am I contagious?
From the onset of symptoms until all skin lesions have fully crusted over and healed — typically 3–4 weeks.
Is mpox fatal?
Rarely, in healthy adults. Fatality rates in West Africa have been higher (historically 1–10% for clade I, lower for clade II) but much lower in the 2022 global outbreak. Severe disease occurs more in immunocompromised individuals and young children.
Can I go to work if I have mpox?
No — you should self-isolate until all lesions have fully healed (typically 3–4 weeks). Report to your local health authority as mpox is a notifiable disease in Nigeria.

Related Pages

Tuberculosis NigeriaAfter Positive HIV TestWhat Is CD4 Count?

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