Benue State has been plagued by recurring violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings, often attributed to armed herdsmen, leaving residents in a state of fear and insecurity.
Benue State Government has assured residents that there is no confirmed case of Monkey Pox (Mpox) in the state, urging the public to remain calm despite reports circulating on social media about a suspected outbreak in Konshisha Local Government Area.
The clarification followed claims of a possible Mpox infection at Tyokula Achihi Residence in Korinya, Konshisha LGA. In response, the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services said it immediately activated its disease surveillance system and dispatched health officials to investigate the reported case and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, stressed that laboratory testing remains the only reliable way to confirm Mpox.
> “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,” Ogwuche said.
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that spreads mainly through close physical contact with an infected person, contaminated materials, or infected animals. The illness often begins with symptoms such as fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and fatigue before a distinctive rash or blisters develop. Health authorities advise anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
The commissioner said the ministry’s disease surveillance network remains active across all 23 local government areas of the state. He added that the state government is working closely 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 ensure early detection and a rapid response to any public health threat.
Residents were advised not to spread unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic. The ministry also encouraged anyone with fever accompanied by unexplained skin rashes or blisters to report immediately to the nearest health facility for proper evaluation.
Ogwuche commended members of the community for promptly alerting health authorities to the suspected case, describing early reporting as critical to effective disease surveillance and outbreak control.
> “We commend members of the community for promptly reporting the situation, as early reporting is essential for effective disease surveillance and response,” he said.
The commissioner assured residents that the outcome of the ongoing laboratory investigation would be made public once available.
> “The Ministry will continue to keep the public informed as soon as the investigation and laboratory findings become available. 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.
> “The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services remains committed to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all residents of the state.”
