Lay media reporting of monkeypox in Nigeria

► 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.