A suspected case of Mpox disease at Tyokula Achihi Residence, Korinya, Konshisha Local Government Area, has triggered rapid response by the Benue State Ministry of Health.
The surveillance system which is in line with established public health protocols, was activated on Saturday after an unverified reported case on social media.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services in the State Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche disclosed this in a statement on Saturday while responding to heightened fear amongst residents.
He revealed that the Director of Public Health was directed to liaise with the State Epidemiologist, who in turn immediately deployed the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) 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 Commissioner said: “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”.
The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has become aware of reports circulating on social media regarding a suspected Mpox outbreak at Tyokula Achihi Residence, Korinya, Konshisha Local Government Area.
Immediately the information came to our attention, the Ministry activated its surveillance system in line with established public health protocols. The Director of Public Health was directed to liaise with the State Epidemiologist, who in turn immediately deployed the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) 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.
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.
According to him, “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.
“Our disease surveillance system remains active across all 23 Local Government Areas, 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.
“The Ministry therefore appeals to members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of creating unnecessary panic.
“We encourage anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters to report immediately to the nearest health facility for proper medical evaluation and to avoid close physical contact until assessed by healthcare professionals.
“We commend members of the community for promptly reporting the situation, as early reporting is essential for effective disease surveillance and response”, he said.
