Ondo records 12 cases of Mpox, commences vaccination drive

The Ondo State Government has launched a vaccination campaign targeting residents aged 18 and above in eight pilot areas and other high-risk communities, following the confirmation of 12 cases of Mpox in the state.

Director of Disease Control at the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (OSPHDA), Dr Victor Adefesoye, announced the initiative during a sensitisation meeting in Akure, the state capital. The exercise, which began on 11 August, will run for 10 days, ending on 21 August.

Dr Adefesoye explained that the vaccination would be administered in two stages, with the second dose given 28 days after the first.

“The purpose of this meeting is to ensure you can inform people in your communities, religious groups, and organisations to take this vaccine,” he said.

He revealed that the confirmed cases of Mpox were recorded in Akoko South-West, Akoko North-West, Akoko North-East, Owo, Akure South, Akure North, Ondo East, and Odigbo Local Government Areas.

“This vaccination process is different from previous ones because we have identified and contacted the specific individuals targeted for the exercise,” he added.

The disease control chief further urged residents to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene as part of efforts to curb the spread of the disease and foster a healthier society.