‘No confirmed Mpox case in Benue’ – Health Commissioner

The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has dismissed rumours making the rounds that there is a reported case of monkeypox in the state.

This was contained in a statement on Saturday by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche.

He said the ministry had become aware of reports circulating on social media regarding a suspected Mpox outbreak at Tyokula Achihi Residence, Korinya, Konshisha Local Government Area.

Dr Ogwuche said immediately the information came to the ministry’s attention, it activated its surveillance system in line with established public health protocols.

According to him, “The Director of Public Health was directed to liaise with the State Epidemiologist, who in turn 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.”

He said that, at this stage, no Mpox outbreak had 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,” he said.

Dr Ogwuche said further, “Our disease surveillance system remains active across all 23 Local Government Areas, and we maintain close collaboration 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 prompt detection and response to any public health event.”

The commissioner appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic.

“We encourage anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to report immediately to the nearest health facility for proper medical evaluation and to avoid close physical contact until assessed by healthcare professionals.

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

“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,” he added.