Lagos State Government has launched a series of strategic public health measures in a bid to address the growing global concern over the Mpox virus, especially the new Clade 1B variant.
At a press briefing at Protea Hotel, Alausa Ikeja, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, laid out the state’s comprehensive plan to protect Lagos from the emerging threat.
Prof. Abayomi outlined three key initiatives in Lagos State’s battle against Mpox. First, the state has initiated an extensive stakeholder engagement, bringing together experts across sectors to discuss local and global management of Mpox.
Second, an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has been activated specifically to monitor and tackle the Mpox outbreak, with a sharp focus on the Clade 1B variant.
Third, a widespread public health awareness campaign has been launched to educate Lagos residents on the risks and preventive measures against Mpox.
The Commissioner highlighted the Clade 1B variant’s rapid spread in Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), now extending to 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.
Drawing on experience from past health crises such as Ebola, COVID-19, cholera, and Lassa fever, Lagos State is taking preventive measures to avoid the introduction of Clade 1B into Lagos, which could have severe health and economic consequences.
Prof. Abayomi explained that Mpox, similar to smallpox and cowpox, is a zoonotic disease that spreads from animals to humans, especially through rodents and monkeys.
The Clade 1B variant shows a higher human-to-human transmission rate, particularly through sexual contact.
Despite no current Mpox cases in Lagos, Prof. Abayomi stressed the importance of remaining vigilant against the potential importation of this aggressive variant.
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He also disclosed that a mini-symposium on Mpox held before the briefing featured insights from global health experts, including representatives from WHO, UNICEF, NCDC, 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 minimize its impact,” Prof. Abayomi said.
Given Lagos State’s high population density and extensive travel networks, the Commissioner urged both the public and healthcare providers to stay alert and be ready to recognize, 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.
Lagos State is also exploring vaccine options and has established local research teams to guide government policy on Mpox.
These efforts are designed to strengthen the state’s preparedness and ensure a swift response in case of an outbreak.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining high preparedness levels, despite the absence of active Mpox cases.
Prof. Abayomi expressed gratitude to all partners and collaborators for their ongoing support, emphasizing the importance of collective action in protecting Lagos from the potential dangers of Mpox.
Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health in the Lagos State Ministry of Health, provided further details on the Clade 1B variant’s symptoms, noting the severity of rashes, particularly those in the genital area, which are more painful and pronounced than typical Mpox rashes.
Dr. Abdus-Salam underscored the importance of early detection and containment 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 proactive and comprehensive approach to public health not only protects its residents but also sets a standard for other regions to follow in the fight against emerging global health threats like Mpox.
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