Ondo confirms 12 Mpox cases, begins vaccination  

The Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA) has confirmed 12 cases of mpox across eight local government areas, prompting the commencement of targeted vaccination in the state.

Director of Disease Control at OSPHDA, Dr Victor Adefesoye, disclosed this on Monday in Akure during a stakeholders’ meeting on the vaccination exercise.

He explained that mpox, once thought to be transmitted only by monkeys, can in fact be spread by various animals and is highly contagious.

The vaccination campaign, he said, will run from August 11 to August 21 and will target individuals aged 18 and above, particularly confirmed cases, their close contacts, and health workers who have treated them.

“The disease is with us in Ondo State, especially in Akoko South-West, Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East, and Odigbo.

“We have already contacted the targeted individuals, but we anticipate some may still be reluctant.

“We urge stakeholders to encourage them to take the vaccine,” Adefesoye said.

He noted that the vaccine, administered in two injectable doses at different intervals, is safe and vital for preventing the spread. He also urged residents to maintain personal and environmental hygiene.

The state Immunisation Officer, Mrs Florence Fadiji, added that mpox can be transmitted through contact with infected animals, people, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include body sores, rashes, fever, headache, and general weakness.

She stressed that any mild reactions to the vaccine are far less severe than the disease itself.

Permanent Secretary of OSPHDA, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, described stakeholders as “the voices of the people,” urging them to convince targeted individuals to take the vaccination seriously for the health and safety of the state.