The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has commenced an investigation into reports of a suspected Mpox case in Konshisha Local Government Area, assuring residents that no outbreak has been confirmed in the state.
The ministry said the reports, which surfaced on social media, alleged a suspected Mpox outbreak at Tyokula Achihi Residence in Korinya, Konshisha LGA.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, said the ministry immediately activated its disease surveillance system in line with established public health protocols.
He explained that the Director of Public Health was directed to work with the State Epidemiologist, who subsequently deployed the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Konshisha LGA to the affected community to conduct an on-the-ground assessment, investigate the reported cases, and collect clinical samples for laboratory analysis.
According to the commissioner, no Mpox outbreak has been confirmed in Benue State, stressing that symptoms such as skin rashes and fever could be caused by several medical conditions and that only laboratory tests can establish a diagnosis of Mpox.
Ogwuche said the administration of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia remains committed to protecting the health of residents, noting that the state’s disease surveillance system is fully operational across all 23 local government areas.
He added that the ministry continues to work 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 prompt detection and response to any public health threat.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain calm and refrain from circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
He advised residents 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.
Ogwuche also commended members of the community for promptly reporting the suspected cases, describing early reporting as critical to effective disease surveillance and response.
He assured residents that the ministry would keep the public informed as soon as laboratory results and investigation findings become available, adding that appropriate response measures would be implemented immediately if Mpox or any other disease of public health importance is confirmed.
The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all residents of Benue State.
