(In Nigeria) Ondo records 12 cases of Mpox

 

The Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA) has confirmed 12 cases of Mpox across eight Local Government Areas: Akoko South-West, Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East, and Odigbo. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, the Director of Disease Control, Dr Victor Adefesoye, noted that Mpox, formerly thought to be transmitted mainly by monkeys, can also spread through various other animals and is highly contagious.

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Vaccination against the disease will run from August 11 to 21, targeting individuals above 18 years old who are already infected, their close relatives, and health workers who have treated them. These recipients will receive two doses of the injectable vaccine at different intervals. Adefesoye urged community leaders, religious groups, and organisations to encourage targeted persons to take the vaccine, stressing that some may still be reluctant despite being contacted directly.

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OSPHDA officials emphasised that personal and environmental hygiene remain vital in controlling Mpox. The State Immunisation Officer, Mrs Florence Fadiji, explained that the disease spreads through contact with infected animals, people, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include body sores, skin rashes, fever, headache, and general weakness.

Fadiji reassured that the vaccine is safe and may cause minimal side effects, which are minor compared to the severity of the disease. Permanent Secretary of OSPHDA, Dr Francis Akanbiemu, described stakeholders as the “voices of the people” and urged them to convince the targeted population to take the vaccination seriously.

The vaccination campaign is different from previous drives because it focuses only on those identified as infected and their close contacts. Authorities believe this targeted approach will help contain the spread quickly. They also warned that without widespread acceptance of the vaccine among the identified groups, the disease could continue to circulate in the state. The government’s call is for collective responsibility  with both health officials and community leaders playing active roles in ensuring the success of the vaccination and improving overall public health in Ondo State.