No Mpox Outbreak Confirmed In Benue, Says Health Commissioner

The Benue State Government has dismissed reports of a Mpox outbreak in the state, saying no case has been confirmed, following the emergence of social media reports alleging a suspected outbreak in Konshisha Local Government Area.

The state Ministry of Health and Human Services said it immediately activated its disease surveillance system after receiving reports of a suspected Mpox case at Tyokula Achihi Residence in Korinya, Konshisha Local Government Area, with health officials deployed to investigate the incident and collect clinical samples for laboratory analysis.

According to a press statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, laboratory confirmation is required before any diagnosis of Mpox can be established.

“At this stage, no Mpox outbreak has been confirmed in Benue State. It is important to emphasise that skin rashes and fever can result from several medical conditions, and laboratory confirmation is required before any diagnosis of Mpox can be made,” Ogwuche said.

The ministry said its surveillance system remains fully operational across the state’s 23 local government areas, adding that it is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other development partners to ensure prompt detection and response to any public health threat.

It also urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic, while advising anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

The government assured residents that the outcome of the ongoing investigation and laboratory tests would be made public as soon as they become available, stressing that appropriate response measures would be implemented immediately if any disease of public health importance is confirmed.

“We commend members of the community for promptly reporting the situation, as early reporting is essential for effective disease surveillance and response,” he said.

“The Ministry will continue to keep the public informed as soon as the investigation and laboratory findings become available. Should the results confirm Mpox or any other disease of public health importance, appropriate response measures will be implemented immediately in accordance with national guidelines.

“The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services remains committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all residents of the state.”