Benue Begins Investigation After Suspected Mpox Case

The Benue State Government has commenced an investigation into a suspected case of Mpox reported in Konshisha Local Government Area, assuring residents that no outbreak has been confirmed.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this on Saturday while responding to reports of a suspected Mpox infection at the Tyokula Achihi residence in Korinya, Konshisha LGA.

Ogwuche said the Ministry of Health immediately activated its disease surveillance mechanism in line with established public health protocols after receiving the report.

According to him, health officials were promptly deployed to the affected community to carry out a detailed assessment, investigate the suspected case and collect clinical samples for laboratory testing.

In a statement issued to journalists in Makurdi, the commissioner cautioned residents against assuming that every case involving fever and skin rashes is Mpox, noting that similar symptoms are associated with several other illnesses.

He stressed that only laboratory analysis can determine whether a patient is infected with the disease.

“The Director of Public Health was directed to liaise with the State Epidemiologist, who immediately deployed the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Konshisha Local Government Area to the reported location for on-the-ground assessment, case investigation and collection of appropriate clinical samples for laboratory testing,” the statement said.

“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 explained that the state’s disease surveillance system remains fully operational across all 23 local government areas to facilitate early detection and rapid response to any potential public health threat.

He added that the ministry 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 strengthen surveillance and emergency response efforts.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.

He advised anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility and avoid close physical contact until evaluated by healthcare professionals.

Ogwuche assured residents that the government would release the outcome of laboratory investigations once available and activate appropriate response measures if Mpox or any other disease of public health concern is confirmed.