The Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA) has confirmed at least 12 cases of Mpox spread across eight local government areas in the state.
Dr. Victor Adefesoye, OSPHDA’s Director of Disease Control, disclosed this on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting and the official launch of the Mpox vaccination campaign held in Akure, the state capital.
Describing Mpox as a highly contagious disease, Dr. Adefesoye emphasized the importance of vaccination in containing its spread. He noted that while Mpox was previously believed to be transmitted mainly by monkeys, it is now known to be spread by various animals.
The vaccination program, which targets individuals aged 18 and above, will run from August 11 to August 21.
“The purpose of this meeting is to encourage community leaders, religious groups, and organizations to mobilize people in their areas to take the vaccine,” Dr. Adefesoye said.
He listed the affected local governments as Akoko South-West, Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East, and Odigbo.
Highlighting the focused nature of this vaccination effort, he explained, “Unlike previous campaigns, we have identified those infected and have contacted them. We will vaccinate confirmed cases, their close contacts, relatives, and healthcare workers who treated them.”
Acknowledging that some individuals might hesitate, he called on stakeholders to help persuade residents to accept the vaccine.
The vaccination will involve two doses of an injectable vaccine administered at specified intervals. Dr. Adefesoye also urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to support disease prevention.
Supporting him, Mrs. Florence Fadiji, Ondo State Immunisation Officer, explained that Mpox can spread through contact with infected animals, people, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include rashes, body sores, fever, headache, and weakness.
Mrs. Fadiji reassured the public that the vaccine is safe, with only minor side effects in some cases, which are far outweighed by the benefits of protection.
Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of OSPHDA, also appealed to stakeholders to encourage vaccine uptake within their communities.