The Benue State Government has launched an investigation into a suspected case of Mpox in Konshisha Local Government Area, assuring residents that no outbreak has been confirmed and urging the public to remain calm while laboratory tests are being conducted.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, disclosed this on Saturday while responding to reports of a suspected Mpox infection involving a resident of Tyokula Achihi in Korinya, Konshisha LGA.
According to the commissioner, the state government moved swiftly after receiving the report by activating its disease surveillance system and deploying a team of health officials to the affected community to investigate the case.
Ogwuche explained that the Ministry of Health immediately directed the Director of Public Health to coordinate with the State Epidemiologist, who subsequently dispatched the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Konshisha Local Government Area to carry out an on-site assessment.
The health team was tasked with investigating the suspected case, collecting clinical samples and ensuring they are sent for laboratory analysis to determine whether the patient is infected with Mpox.
He stressed that, for now, there is no confirmed case or outbreak of Mpox in Benue State.
The commissioner cautioned residents against jumping to conclusions whenever someone develops fever or skin rashes, noting that such symptoms are associated with several medical conditions.
According to him, only laboratory testing can confirm whether a suspected patient is infected with 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,” he said.
Ogwuche disclosed that Benue’s disease surveillance system remains fully operational across all 23 local government areas, enabling health authorities to detect and respond quickly to potential public health threats.
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 Organization (WHO) and other development partners to strengthen disease monitoring and emergency response efforts.
While calling for calm, the commissioner urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic.
He advised anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained skin rashes or blisters to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
He also recommended avoiding close physical contact with others until healthcare professionals complete a proper medical assessment.
Ogwuche assured residents that the Ministry of Health would make the outcome of the laboratory investigation public once the test results become available.
He added that should the suspected case be confirmed as Mpox—or any other disease of public health concern—the state government would immediately activate all necessary containment and response measures in line with national public health protocols.
The commissioner reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through early detection, rapid response and continuous collaboration with national and international health agencies.
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