The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has stated that no case of mpox outbreak has been confirmed in the state following reports circulating on social media about a suspected outbreak at Tyokula Achihi Residence in Korinya, Konshisha Local Government Area.
In a press statement signed by the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, the Ministry said it immediately activated its surveillance system in line with established public health protocols as soon as the information came to its attention. The Director of Public Health was directed to liaise with the State Epidemiologist, who promptly deployed the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer 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.
The Ministry emphasised that skin rashes and fever can result from several medical conditions, and laboratory confirmation is required before any diagnosis of mpox can be made. It noted that the disease surveillance system remains active across all 23 Local Government Areas, with close collaboration maintained 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 event.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic. Anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters was encouraged to report immediately to the nearest health facility for proper medical evaluation and to avoid close physical contact until assessed by healthcare professionals.
The Ministry commended members of the community for promptly reporting the situation, describing early reporting as essential for effective disease surveillance and response. It pledged 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 reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all residents of the state.
