LAGOS GEARS UP AGAINST EMERGING MPOX THREAT, FOCUSES ON AGGRESSIVE VARIANT

… Says No Active Mpox Case in the State
… Activates Emergency Operations Centre Amid Rising Mpox Concerns
… Launches Public Health Campaign on Mpox

In a proactive response to the growing global concern over the Mpox virus, particularly the newly identified Clade 1B variant, the Lagos State Government has unveiled a series of comprehensive public health initiatives. During a media briefing held at Protea Hotel, Alausa Ikeja, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi outlined the state’s multipronged strategy to shield Lagos from the emerging threat.

Prof. Abayomi announced three significant milestones as part of Lagos State’s public health strategy against Mpox. The first is a robust stakeholder engagement involving experts from various sectors to discuss Mpox and its management, both locally and globally. The second milestone is the activation of an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) specifically dedicated to monitoring and addressing the Mpox outbreak, with a particular focus on the Clade 1B variant. The third milestone is the launch of a statewide public health awareness campaign aimed at educating residents about the risks associated with Mpox and preventive measures they can take.

The Commissioner emphasised the current concern over the Clade 1B variant, which is rapidly spreading across Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and has now reached neighboring countries like Cameroon, Rwanda and Burundi. 

“This variant is distinct from the indigenous Clade 2 variant, which has been detected sporadically in West Africa. Although Lagos has no active cases at present, the risk posed by the more aggressive Clade 1B variant remains a significant concern due to Lagos’s extensive travel connections. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared the outbreak in the DRC a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, highlighting the need for a coordinated global response”, he said.

Prof. Abayomi noted that Lagos State is taking proactive steps, drawing on its experience with past health crises like Ebola, COVID-19, cholera and Lassa fever. According to him, these measures aim to prevent the introduction of the Clade 1B variant into Lagos, which could have severe health and economic implications.

The Commissioner explained that Mpox, like smallpox and cowpox, is a zoonotic disease that initially spreads from animals to humans, particularly through rodents and monkeys. Human-to-human transmission occurs through close contact, with the Clade 1B variant showing a higher transmission rate, especially through sexual contact.

Prof. Abayomi warned that while there are currently no active Mpox cases in Lagos, the state must remain vigilant against the potential importation of this aggressive variant.

He disclosed that a mini-symposium on Mpox which was held before the media briefing, featured insights from global health experts, including representatives from WHO, UNICEF, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), LUTH and LASUTH. 

“These experts discussed the risks posed by the Clade 1B variant to Lagos and the steps needed to create a biological shield against the virus. The collective goal is to ensure that Lagos is fully prepared to manage any potential outbreak and minimise its impact”, Prof. Abayomi said.

While noting that Lagos State’s high population density and extensive travel links make it particularly vulnerable to the rapid spread of contagious diseases, the Commissioner urged the public and healthcare providers to be vigilant and prepared to recognise, diagnose and manage Mpox cases effectively. 

“The activation of the EOC and the launch of the public awareness campaign are critical components of this strategy. As part of the proactive measures, a comprehensive public health awareness campaign has been rolled out across Lagos. This campaign seeks to inform the public about the symptoms of Mpox, such as fever, joint pain, body aches, and distinctive rashes. Residents are urged to report any suspicious symptoms to the nearest health facility for prompt evaluation”, he stated.

Prof. Abayomi noted that Lagos State is also exploring vaccine options and has established local research teams to guide government policy on Mpox. These efforts aim to bolster the state’s preparedness for a possible outbreak and ensure a swift and effective response.

The Commissioner noted that despite the absence of active Mpox cases in Lagos, the state government is committed to maintaining a high level of preparedness. Prof. Abayomi expressed gratitude to all partners and collaborators for their continued support in these efforts, stressing the importance of collective action in safeguarding Lagos from the potential dangers of Mpox.

Speaking in the same vein, the Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health in the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam provided detailed information on the symptoms of the Clade 1B variant. He highlighted the severity of the rashes caused by this variant, particularly those that appear in the genital area, which are more painful and pronounced than typical Mpox rashes.

Dr. Abdus-Salam emphasised the critical need for early identification and containment of Mpox cases to prevent the spread of the Clade 1B variant within Lagos. “The state’s public health systems are on high alert, ready to act swiftly to protect residents from this virulent strain”, he said.

Lagos State’s comprehensive and proactive approach to public health sets a precedent for other regions to follow. The state’s ongoing efforts to prevent the importation and spread of Mpox, particularly the Clade 1B variant, demonstrate its commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its residents in the face of emerging global health threats.