The Benue State Ministry of Health has launched an investigation into a suspected Mpox case in Konshisha Local Government Area, assuring residents that no outbreak has been confirmed.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Health, Paul Ogwuche, said the ministry activated its disease surveillance system after social media reports alleged a suspected Mpox outbreak in Tyokula Achihi community, Konshisha LGA.
Ogwuche said the Director of Public Health had directed the State Epidemiologist to deploy the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) for Konshisha to investigate the reported case and collect clinical samples for laboratory analysis.
He stressed that Mpox cannot be confirmed without laboratory testing, noting that symptoms such as fever and skin rashes are associated with several illnesses.
“Our disease surveillance system remains active across all 23 LGAs, and we maintain close 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 to ensure prompt detection and response to any public health event,” Ogwuche said.
The commissioner urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information that could trigger unnecessary panic.
He advised anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.
Ogwuche also commended members of the community for promptly reporting the suspected case, describing early reporting as vital for effective disease surveillance and response.
He assured the public that the ministry would provide updates once laboratory results are 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,” he added.
