Benue investigating suspected case of Mpox – Health Commissioner

Benue State Government is investigating a reported suspected case of Mpox in Konshisha Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

He was reacting to reports of a suspected Mpox case allegedly discovered at the residence of Tyokula Achihi in Korinya, Konshisha Local Government Area.

The commissioner said that immediately the ministry received the report, it activated its surveillance system in line with established public health protocols and deployed a team to the area.

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Dr. Ogwuche explained that skin rashes and fever could result from several medical conditions, adding that laboratory confirmation is required before any diagnosis of Mpox can be made.

The statement read in part: “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 said the state’s disease surveillance system remains active across all 23 local government areas, adding that the ministry maintains 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 of and response to any public health event.

Dr. Ogwuche 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,” the statement read in part.

The commissioner assured residents that the ministry would continue to keep the public informed as soon as the investigation and laboratory findings become available.

He added that appropriate response measures would be implemented immediately, in line with national guidelines, if the laboratory results confirm Mpox or any other disease of public health importance.