The Ondo State Government has confirmed 12 cases of monkeypox, also known as M-pox, in eight local government areas.
The Director of Disease Control at the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA), Victor Adefesoye, announced this on Monday, during a stakeholders’ meeting on mpox vaccination in Akure.
“The disease is with us in Ondo State, particularly in these local government areas: Akoko South-West, Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East and Odigbo,” Adefesoye said.
He stated that the state will begin vaccination from August 11 to 21, targeting residents aged 18 and above, as well as close relatives, contacts, and health workers who have come in contact with infected persons.
“They already have the disease, and we will also vaccinate their close relatives, contacts, and health workers that have handled them. We anticipate that, though we have contacted them, some may still feel reluctant to take it. We encourage you as stakeholders to encourage them and be vaccinated,” he added.
Adefesoye stressed that the vaccination is safe and free, explaining that recipients will be given two doses of the injectable vaccine at different intervals. He also urged residents to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to support a healthy society.