A medical expert, Dr Ishaku Akyala, has called on the Federal Government to reactivate the Presidential Task Force in response to the rising Mpox cases across the country.
Akyala, an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, made the call in an interview on Sunday in Abuja.
The expert explained the importance of a coordinated and proactive approach to prevent the spread of Mpox and ensure a swift response to any outbreaks.
He drew attention to the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that a similar strategy is needed to prevent Mpox from escalating into a national health emergency.
“The recent increase in Mpox cases across several states highlights the urgency for immediate action to safeguard public health,” he said.
He said that the Presidential Task Force, which was instrumental in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, could play a crucial role in curbing the spread of Mpox.
He expressed concern over the limited response from authorities, suggesting that Mpox cases might be underreported.
“The reactivation of the COVID-19 Task Force could provide a structured and coordinated response to the Mpox outbreak.
“The task force has the experience, resources, and personnel to manage such health emergencies, ensuring the government responds effectively and swiftly,” he said.
Akyala highlighted the difficulties in accurately diagnosing Mpox, especially in its early stages or in cases with atypical symptoms.
He said that non-infectious skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis, eczema, or drug reactions, could sometimes mimic the rash of Mpox, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
“Mpox can resemble other viral infections like chickenpox, measles, or hand, foot, and mouth disease.
“Conditions like impetigo or secondary syphilis can also present with lesions similar to Mpox, making it challenging to distinguish between them based on symptoms alone.
“Additionally, in regions where Mpox is not commonly seen, healthcare providers may not immediately consider it as a diagnosis.
“In some cases, Mpox lesions may be misinterpreted as something else, such as insect bites or acne, especially if they don’t follow the typical progression of the disease,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of laboratory testing, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect viral DNA, for accurate diagnosis.
He urged the task force to adopt a more aggressive approach that went beyond addressing human-to-human transmission alone.
He also recommended that the task force prioritised public health communication, particularly in areas where misinformation and stigma were prevalent.
“We need to focus on wildlife clusters in states with high incidences of Mpox.
“Identifying transmission foci within these clusters and closing in on them is essential to prevent further spread.
“Clear and accurate messaging is key to ensuring public cooperation and compliance with health guidelines,” he said.
According to Akyala, Misdiagnosing Mpox could have serious public health implications, including delayed isolation of cases and further transmission of the virus.
He further stressed the importance of training healthcare workers to recognise and manage Mpox, especially in regions where the disease is not commonly seen.
“In areas with limited access to advanced diagnostic facilities, the risk of misdiagnosis is higher, underscoring the need for a coordinated response that includes making diagnostic resources widely available.
“Nigeria has reported an uptick in Mpox cases in recent months, with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirming over 48 cases in 2024, and more suspected cases are under investigation,” he said.
He said that reactivating the COVID-19 Task Force would also provide an opportunity to integrate Mpox response efforts with other ongoing public health initiatives, ensuring a more comprehensive and effective strategy.
The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, established by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2020, was created to coordinate Nigeria’s multi-sectoral efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Task Force’s key responsibilities included guiding the National Emergency Operations Center and other government agencies, overseeing the implementation of national and state-level outbreak control measures, and managing resources for effective response.
Additionally, the Task Force engaged with international bodies to share best practices and keep the public informed about the nation’s COVID-19 response.
It operated through several functional areas and was supported by the National COVID-19 Response Centre, which had developed a comprehensive response plan to ensure coordinated and efficient national action.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has reported 48 Mpox cases across 19 states and the FCT, with no deaths recorded, according to the NCDC.
On August 27, Nigeria received 10,000 vaccine doses from the U.S. to control the outbreak.
The African Union declared a public health emergency due to the virus’s rapid spread across the continent.
Mpox, transmitted through contact with infected individuals or objects, typically causes mild symptoms but can lead to severe cases.
The WHO is working to expedite vaccine access, with 230,000 doses expected to be sent to affected areas, though the supply remains limited.
NAN
