The Benue State Government has commenced investigations into reports of suspected Mpox cases in Korinya, Konshisha Local Government Area, following concerns raised by residents over individuals presenting with fever, skin rashes and blister-like lesions.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, said the State Government immediately activated its disease surveillance system after receiving information about the suspected cases.
According to the Commissioner, the Director of Public Health was directed to liaise with the State Epidemiologist, who subsequently deployed the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Konshisha Local Government Area to the affected location.
The surveillance team is conducting an on-the-ground assessment, investigating the reported cases and collecting appropriate clinical samples for laboratory testing.
The Commissioner stressed that no Mpox outbreak has been confirmed in Benue State at this stage, noting that symptoms such as fever and skin rashes can be caused by several medical conditions and that laboratory testing is required to establish a diagnosis.
Dr. Ogwuche assured residents that the State’s disease surveillance system remains active across all 23 Local Government Areas, with the government maintaining 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.
He further appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic.
The Commissioner advised anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to promptly visit the nearest health facility for proper medical assessment.
Such individuals are also encouraged to avoid close physical contact with others until they have been assessed by qualified health professionals.
The Benue State Government reiterated its commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of residents and assured the public that appropriate measures would be taken based on the outcome of the ongoing investigation and laboratory testing.
