Lay media reporting of monkeypox in Nigeria

Abstract

Risk communication is an important but underappreciated aspect of outbreak response, therefore, understanding the nature and impact of media coverage can assist in modifying messages. Media reports from unauthorised sources during the ongoing monkeypox outbreak in Nigeria were sensationalised and led to increased anxiety in the population. Because of the tendency of the media to amplify, rather than correct rumours, media personnel should be trained prior to an outbreak to reduce distorted reporting. The Nigerian government should maintain an up-todate communication platform for outbreak reporting, to routinely provide accurate information to the public. There should be a well-defined approach of using event-based surveillance for decision-making, effective communication and for informing how disease outbreaks are reported by the media.