The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has begun vaccination against Mpox in seven states.
This is according to a post on NPHCDA official X handle on Tuesday.
It disclosed that Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were selected as pilot states for the vaccination.
NPHCDA stated that the vaccination will help to protect communities and safeguard the health of people.
An average of 631 persons are expected to be vaccinated across the seven states with two doses of the Mpox vaccine. A buffer for 50 persons will be kept at the national in case of an upsurge in other states.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), had a week ago, announced that there were 1,442 suspected cases of Mpox from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while the number of confirmed cases of the infection was 118 from 28 states and the FCT.
Consequently, Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris gave an advisory regarding the disease:
“To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly advise the public to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals in affected areas, avoid handling materials that have been in contact with infected animals, limit unnecessary physical contact with individuals who are infected, practice frequent handwashing with soap and water, and ensure that animal food products are thoroughly cooked before eating.
“It’s also important to use protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals or their tissues. Similarly, health workers are advised to follow standard safety protocols including droplet precautions when treating patients, use protective equipment including masks, gloves, and gowns, during patient care, and be vigilant for symptoms of Mpox, especially fever and rash, among other measures”, he said.
