OVERVIEW OF MONKEYPOX IN NIGERIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Monkeypox (recently referred to as mpox) is a re-emerging zoonotic viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family. Although historically endemic to Central and West Africa, Nigeria has become a major epidemiological hotspot following the re-emergence of the disease in 2017 after nearly four decades of absence. Since then, Nigeria has experienced recurrent outbreaks with increasing evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission and expanding geographic spread.

The disease presents clinically with fever, lymphadenopathy, and a characteristic vesiculopustular rash resembling smallpox, although generally associated with lower mortality. This narrative review synthesizes the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, public health impact, and control strategies of monkeypox in Nigeria. It further highlights ecological and behavioral drivers such as deforestation, bushmeat consumption, wildlife-human interaction, and declining immunity following the cessation of smallpox vaccination.

Nigeria continues to serve as a critical epidemiological hub for monkeypox transmission in Africa. Strengthening surveillance systems, laboratory diagnostic capacity, vaccination strategies, and community awareness remains essential for effective disease control. The review emphasizes that monkeypox is no longer a sporadic zoonosis in Nigeria but an evolving public health threat with epidemic potential (Yinka-Ogunleye et al., 2019; WHO, 2023; Bunge et al., 2022).