Publication:

Prevalence of mpox in Yenagoa local government area, Bayelsa state, Nigeria

Background A retrospective descriptive epidemiological study analyzed the occurrence of monkeypox (mpox) in Yenagoa local government area (LGA) of Bayelsa state, Nigeria, from 2017 to 2023.

Methods Data on all suspected and confirmed cases were obtained from the disease surveillance office and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with results presented in tables, frequencies, and percentages.

Results Yenagoa was identified as a persistent mpox hotspot, with 82 confirmed cases among a population of 798,000, representing a low but continuous prevalence rate of 0.0103%. Annual fluctuations with occasional peaks, particularly in 2022, suggest ongoing localized outbreaks rather than widespread endemicity. Most cases occurred among males (63.8%) and young adults aged 21-40 years, indicating specific demographic vulnerability. The case fatality rate of 1.25% corresponds with the less virulent West African clade. Prevalence varied across wards, with Epie and Atissa showing the highest rates, indicating regional transmission foci. Close human contact emerged as the predominant risk factor, followed by zoonotic exposure.

Conclusions Seasonal patterns, with peaks between September and October, and uneven spatial distribution highlight the need for enhanced local interventions. Public health recommendations include strengthening routine surveillance, prioritizing high-prevalence wards, improving public awareness and risk communication, implementing targeted vaccination campaigns where feasible, and improving case management and outbreak preparedness for seasonal peaks. The findings underscore the importance of sustained surveillance and community engagement to interrupt transmission and prevent future mpox outbreaks in Yenagoa LGA.