Akure: No fewer than 12 cases of Mpox have been discovered by the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA) in eight Local Government Areas of the state. The Director of Disease Control of OSPHDA, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting on mpox vaccination.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adefesoye explained that the disease, previously known to be transmitted by monkeys, has been found to be transmitted by various animals. He described the disease as contagious, highlighting the need to contain its spread through vaccination in the state. The vaccination is safe, set to commence on August 11 and conclude on August 21, targeting individuals 18 years and older.
Dr. Adefesoye emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about the vaccine within communities, religious groups, and organizations. The disease has been identified in several local government areas: Akoko South-West, Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East, and Odigbo. The vaccination process is tailored to targeted individuals, including those already infected, their close relatives, contacts, and health workers who have been involved with them.
He encouraged stakeholders to promote vaccination uptake, noting that the targeted individuals would receive two doses of the injectable vaccine at different intervals. Additionally, he urged the community to practice personal and environmental sanitation for a healthier society.
The state’s Immunisation Officer, Mrs. Florence Fadiji, stated that Mpox could be transmitted through contact with infected animals, persons, and objects, with symptoms including body sores, rashes, fever, headache, and body weakness. She assured that the vaccination might have minimal reactions compared to the burden of the disease.
Similarly, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of OSPHDA, highlighted the role of stakeholders as representatives of the state’s population, stressing the importance of encouraging the targeted groups to get vaccinated for the state’s overall well-being.