Benue begins investigation after suspected Mpox report

The Benue State Government has launched an investigation into a suspected case of Mpox reported in Konshisha Local Government Area.

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

According to him, the Ministry of Health swiftly activated its disease surveillance mechanism in line with public health guidelines and dispatched health officials to the community for assessment.

In a statement issued to journalists in Makurdi, Ogwuche appealed to residents not to assume every case of fever and skin rash is Mpox, explaining that such symptoms are common to several illnesses.

He noted that only laboratory analysis can confirm whether a patient is infected with Mpox.

The statement partly read, “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.

“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.”

The commissioner stated that the state’s disease surveillance network remained operational across all 23 local government areas to ensure early detection of any public health threat.

He further disclosed that the ministry was collaborating 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.

Ogwuche also appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified reports that could trigger unnecessary fear.

“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,” the statement added.

He assured the public that the ministry would provide updates once laboratory investigations were completed and the findings released.

The commissioner added that if the test results confirmed Mpox or any other disease of public health concern, the government would immediately activate appropriate response measures in line with national public health guidelines.

Benue begins investigation after suspected Mpox report