The Benue State Government has dismissed reports of a Mpox outbreak in the state, saying no case has been confirmed despite social media claims of a suspected infection in Konshisha Local Government Area.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services said it activated its disease surveillance system immediately after receiving reports of a suspected Mpox case at Tyokula Achihi Residence in Korinya, Konshisha LGA.
According to the ministry, health officials were deployed to investigate the incident and collect clinical samples for laboratory analysis.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, said laboratory confirmation was required before any diagnosis of Mpox could be made.
“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.
He said the state’s disease surveillance system remained fully operational across all 23 local government areas, adding that the ministry was working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other development partners to ensure the prompt detection of and response to any public health threat.
Ogwuche urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
He also advised anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
The commissioner assured residents that the outcome of the ongoing investigation and laboratory analysis would be made public once available, stressing that appropriate response measures would be activated immediately if Mpox or any other 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.”
