PRESS RELEASE
August 14, 2025
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: NOA Ondo Urges Residents to Get Vaccinated Against Mpox
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Ondo State Directorate under the leadership of Mr. James Adekunle, is calling on all residents to take urgent steps to protect themselves and their loved ones against the spread of Mpox by getting vaccinated and staying informed. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral infection that belongs to the same family as smallpox. Although generally less severe than smallpox, Mpox can still cause serious illness and discomfort. The virus is zoonotic in nature, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans, but it is also capable of spreading from person to person.
Transmission of Mpox can occur through direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and semen, as well as lesions or scabs from an infected individual. It can also spread through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, contaminated materials like clothing and bedding, and through sexual contact including anal, oral, and vaginal sex. Pregnant mothers can transmit the virus to their unborn children, and skin-to-skin contact during or after birth can also lead to infection.
Symptoms typically appear between 7 to 14 days after exposure, although they may range from 5 to 21 days. Common signs include fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that may resemble pimples or blisters. This rash often appears on the face, mouth, hands, feet, genitals, or anus and progresses through several stages — from flat lesions to raised bumps, fluid-filled vesicles, pus-filled pustules, and finally scabbing before healing. In some cases, complications such as skin infections, pneumonia, proctitis (painful inflammation of the rectum), urinary discomfort, confusion, and eye problems may arise.
While anyone can contract Mpox through close contact with an infected person, certain groups are at heightened risk. These include family members, caregivers, and healthcare workers who do not use adequate protective measures, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems. Mpox remains contagious from the moment symptoms begin until the rash has completely healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed, a period that typically lasts between two to four weeks.
Residents are urged to avoid contact with symptomatic individuals, refrain from sharing materials that may be contaminated, wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizers, and stay away from areas experiencing Mpox outbreaks.
Fortunately, an effective vaccine is available and serves as the strongest line of defense. The vaccine is administered in two doses, spaced four weeks apart, with the preferred injection site being the upper left arm. Individuals who have already received both doses do not require re-vaccination at this time. The vaccine is safe, free, and readily available at designated health centers across the state.
In a firm appeal to the public, the NOA Ondo State Director emphasized the urgency of prevention. “Prevention is better than cure,” the Director stated. “Let’s work together to protect our families, our communities, and ourselves. Mpox is preventable — but only if we take action now.”
Residents are encouraged to visit the nearest health facility for vaccination and to stay informed through official public health channels. The fight against Mpox begins with individual responsibility and collective action. Together, we can stop the spread.
Signed,
Ralph Oguntibeju
Head, M & C
NOA, Ondo State.