The Benue State Government has dismissed reports of a Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak in the state, assuring residents that no case of the disease has been confirmed following investigations into a suspected incident in Konshisha Local Government Area.
The assurance was given by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, in a statement issued in Makurdi in response to reports circulating on social media about a suspected Mpox outbreak at Tyokula Achihi Residence in Korinya community.
According to the commissioner, the government moved swiftly to investigate the report in line with established public health protocols immediately it became aware of the claims.
Surveillance activated
Ogwuche disclosed that the Ministry of Health immediately activated its disease surveillance system to verify the report and prevent unnecessary public panic.
He explained that the Director of Public Health was instructed to work closely with the State Epidemiologist, who subsequently deployed the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Konshisha Local Government Area to the affected community.
The team, he said, conducted an on-the-ground assessment, investigated the suspected case and collected clinical samples for laboratory analysis to determine whether Mpox or any other infectious disease was involved.
The commissioner stressed that, based on available findings, no Mpox outbreak has been confirmed anywhere in Benue State.
Lab test needed for confirmation
Ogwuche cautioned against drawing conclusions before laboratory results are released, explaining that symptoms commonly associated with Mpox, such as fever and skin rashes, can also be caused by several other illnesses.
He maintained that only laboratory confirmation can establish whether a suspected case is actually Mpox.
According to him, the state government remains committed to following scientific procedures and public health guidelines before making any official declaration on disease outbreaks.
The commissioner assured residents that the ministry would make the outcome of the investigation public once laboratory results become available.
Government urges calm
Ogwuche appealed to residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing fear or confusion among members of the public.
He advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to report immediately to the nearest health facility for proper medical evaluation.
He also urged such individuals to avoid close physical contact with others until they have been assessed by qualified healthcare professionals.
The commissioner commended members of the affected community for promptly reporting the suspected case, noting that early reporting is critical to effective disease surveillance and rapid response.
State strengthens disease monitoring
Ogwuche said Governor Hyacinth Alia has continued to prioritise the health and safety of residents through sustained investment in disease surveillance and emergency response systems.
He disclosed that the state’s disease surveillance network remains active across all 23 local government areas, enabling health authorities to quickly detect and respond to potential public health threats.
The commissioner added that the Benue State Government is working 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 strengthen disease monitoring and response capacity.
He assured residents that should laboratory findings confirm Mpox or any other disease of public health importance, the government would immediately implement all necessary response measures in line with national public health guidelines to protect lives and prevent further spread.