Lagos health commissioner warns of potential Mpox Clade 1b Risk

Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, has raised alarms about the potential risk of Mpox clade 1b entering Lagos through international transport routes.

This warning came during a press conference held by the Lagos State Ministry of Health on Tuesday.

Abayomi expressed concern that contaminated passengers or goods arriving via various airline and shipping routes could introduce the virus into Lagos. “We are worried that this virus could be imported into Lagos, given the multiple transport routes that could potentially bring in clade 1b,” he said.

The Mpox clade 1b outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in September 2023, has spread to neighbouring countries such as Cameroon, Rwanda, and Burundi. The clade 1b variant is noted for its potential to adversely affect public health and economic stability.

In response, Lagos State has activated an Emergency Operation Centre and launched a statewide public health campaign. The campaign aims to educate residents on Mpox and preventive measures. “Given the high population density in Lagos, we must remain proactive,” Abayomi emphasized.

Currently, there are no active Mpox cases in Lagos. However, the state is enhancing its preparedness and response strategies, informed by past experiences with diseases like Ebola, COVID-19, and Lassa fever. The state has collaborated with WHO, UNICEF, NCDC, and other organizations to assess risks and strengthen public health measures.

Abayomi highlighted ongoing discussions about vaccine deployment as part of the strategy to prevent Mpox spread. He also stressed the importance of public awareness in recognizing symptoms and reporting cases.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a virus with two main clades: clade I and clade II. Clade I, which causes more severe illness, is endemic to Central Africa, while clade II is less severe and found in West Africa. The recent global outbreak was caused by the clade IIb strain.

The WHO has declared Mpox a Global Health Emergency, urging coordinated international action to contain its spread. As of recent reports, AfricaCDC has documented 3,101 confirmed and 15,636 suspected cases across 12 African countries, with 541 deaths. In Nigeria, 40 confirmed cases and no deaths have been recorded in 19 states and the FCT in 2024. Efforts are ongoing to prevent the introduction of Mpox clade 1b into Nigeria.