NARD urges crowd control to reduce Mpox spread
As part of measures to curb the Mpox outbreak, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Dele Abdullahi, has called for crowd control at the nation’s public hospitals to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Abdullahi noted that crowd control at hospitals should be seen as a critical measure in preventing the spread of the disease, maintaining that hospitals were potential hotspots for transmission.
the NARD president explained that one of the major ways the disease could be transmitted was through crowds within hospitals, stressing that if someone with the disease visits the hospital, others can be at risk.
His call for crowd control at hospitals comes as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the country had recorded a total of 40 confirmed cases of mpox out of 830 suspected cases in the country.
Mpox has continued to spread in Africa and some parts of Europe with cases reported in several countries.
Recently, the Africa Centre for Disease Control declared a public health emergency over the growing mpox outbreak on the continent.
The outbreak has swept through several African countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The World Health Organisation stressed that the emergence last year and rapid spread of a new virus strain in DRC, clade 1b, which appears to be spreading mainly through sexual networks, and its detection in countries neighbouring the DRC are especially concerning, and one of the main reasons for the declaration of the PHEIC.
So far, about 2,863 confirmed mpox cases and 517 deaths across 13 African countries have been reported in 2024 alone.
Reacting to the widespread infectious disease, the NARD president suggested that hospitals should limit the number of patients and visitors, ensure proper ventilation, and enforce strict infection control protocols.
He noted that by implementing crowd control measures, hospitals can reduce the risk of transmission and help prevent the spread of the disease.
While stressing that the new strain of mpox has been discovered to be more violent than previous strains, Abdullahi called for increased awareness about the disease, improved research, and heightened alertness at border patrols to prevent the spread of the disease.
He further said, “To effectively combat Mpox, we must amplify our awareness campaigns. It’s not enough to rely on TV commercials and WhatsApp messages; we need every community and hospital to actively discuss and spread information about this disease, reaching every corner of our society.
“Reinstating the principles of infectious disease control is crucial. Encourage the public to limit contact, frequently wash hands, and consider face masks to mitigate the spread of Mpox.
“Enhanced border patrol and health screenings are essential. We must ensure rigorous checks for all incoming travelers to prevent the introduction and spread of Mpox.
“Controlling crowds, especially in hospitals, is vital to prevent the spread of mpox. Improving hospital crowd management and ongoing research will help us better understand and manage this new strain.
“With the new strain’s reservoir unidentified, controlling contact with potential sources of contamination is key. Educate people on how to avoid buying contaminated meat to reduce risk.”
The NARD president added, “Raising awareness about Mpox’s early symptoms is critical. Prompt identification and medical attention can prevent further spread, so people must seek screening as soon as symptoms appear.
“Increasing awareness about mpox vaccination is vital. Publicising vaccination options and benefits can help control the spread and protect more individuals from the disease
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