By Emmanuel Koffa
Health authorities in Grand Kru County, have intensified preventive measures against the spread of Mpox disease.
Mpox (formerly monkeypox) is a viral disease spread through close contact, causing fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a characteristic rash of pimples or blisters that crust and heal.
It’s caused by the monkeypox virus, related to smallpox, and while usually mild and self-limiting (lasting weeks), it can be severe, especially for children, pregnant individuals, or those with weakened immune systems, requiring supportive care and sometimes antivirals.
Prevention involves vaccination, awareness, and avoiding close contact with infected people or contaminated materials, notes the World Health Organization.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry of Health (MoH), has commenced a targeted vaccination exercise to reduce the risk of transmission, and strengthen public health safety across the county.
The initiative, led by the Grand Kru County Health Team in collaboration with MoH, and partner institutions, began with the vaccination of health workers at the Barclayville Health Center, along with selected key populations and joint security personnel.
The county health officials said, the decision to prioritize frontline workers and high-risk groups, is part of a broader preparedness strategy designed to limit exposure, maintain essential services, and protect those most vulnerable to infection.
The Ministry announced that the vaccination exercise reflects ongoing national efforts to contain potential Mpox outbreaks through early intervention and community-level prevention.
Health authorities further assured residents that additional phases of the vaccination campaign will reach more communities as resources become available.
They urged the public to remain calm, informed, and supportive of public health measures.
The Ministry said “proactive action” remains critical in safeguarding communities, and preventing the spread of Mpox in the country.