LAGOS LAUNCHES EMERGENCY OPERATIONS, REPORTS NO CURRENT MPOX CASES
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By Oduola F.A
The Lagos State Government has launched a series of comprehensive public health measures in response to the escalating global concerns about the Mpox virus and the newly identified Clade 1B variant.
Prof. Akin Abayomi, the State Commissioner for Health, detailed Lagos’s multi-faceted strategy during a media briefing on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at Protea Hotel, Alausa Ikeja. Abayomi highlighted three critical milestones: engaging with experts from various sectors, activating an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) specifically for Mpox, and initiating a statewide public health awareness campaign.
Clade 1B, a variant of Mpox, has prompted particular concern from Prof. Abayomi due to its rapid spread across Central Africa and neighboring countries. “This variant is distinct from the indigenous Clade 2 variant, which has been sporadically detected in West Africa. Although Lagos has no active cases at present, the more aggressive Clade 1B variant poses a significant risk due to Lagos’s extensive travel connections. The World Health Organization (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 from past experience with health crises such as Ebola, COVID-19, cholera, and Lassa fever, the Commissioner emphasized that Lagos is taking proactive measures to prevent the Clade 1B variant from entering the city. These steps are aimed at mitigating potential severe health and economic impacts. He explained that Mpox, akin to smallpox and cowpox, is a zoonotic disease that initially spreads from animals to humans and can then transmit between people through close contact. The Clade 1B variant, in particular, is noted for its higher transmission rate, especially through sexual contact.
He warned that while there are no current cases in Lagos, vigilance is crucial due to the potential risks posed by the aggressive Clade 1B variant. Prof. Abayomi revealed that a mini-symposium on Mpox, held before the media briefing, featured contributions from global health experts, including representatives from WHO, UNICEF, NCDC, NIMR, LUTH, and LASUTH. “These experts discussed the risks associated with the Clade 1B variant for Lagos and the necessary steps to establish a protective barrier against the virus. The aim is to ensure that Lagos is fully prepared to handle any potential outbreak and mitigate its effects,” he said.
The Commissioner also emphasized the importance of public awareness and preparedness. A comprehensive public health campaign has been launched across Lagos to inform residents about Mpox symptoms—such as fever, joint pain, body aches, and distinctive rashes—and to encourage reporting of any suspicious symptoms to health facilities.
Prof. Abayomi noted that Lagos State is exploring vaccine options and has established local research teams to guide government policy on Mpox. Despite the absence of active cases, he expressed gratitude to all partners and collaborators for their support, underscoring the importance of collective action in protecting Lagos from 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. He highlighted the severity of rashes, particularly those in the genital area, which are more painful and pronounced than typical Mpox rashes. “The state’s public health systems are on high alert, ready to act swiftly to protect residents from this virulent strain,” Dr. Abdus-Salam said.
Lagos State’s proactive approach sets a benchmark for other regions, demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding public health amid emerging global threats.
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