Health Ministry: Benue’s Disease Surveillance Remains Active, No Mpox Outbreak

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has assured residents that there is no confirmed outbreak of Monkeypox (Mpox) in the state, dismissing reports circulating on social media about an alleged case in Konshisha Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, explained that the ministry immediately activated its disease surveillance system after receiving reports of a suspected Mpox case at Tyokula Achihi Residence in Korinya, Konshisha LGA. He said the Director of Public Health worked with the State Epidemiologist to deploy the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) to investigate the case and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
Dr. Ogwuche stated that no Mpox outbreak has been confirmed in Benue, stressing that symptoms such as fever and skin rashes can be linked to several illnesses and that only laboratory testing can accurately confirm the disease. He added that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration remains committed to safeguarding public health through an effective disease surveillance system operating across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The commissioner said the ministry is collaborating 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 early detection and swift response to any public health threat. He urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and seek medical attention if they experience fever with unexplained rashes or blisters while limiting close contact until properly assessed by health professionals.
Dr. Ogwuche also commended residents for promptly reporting the suspected case, describing early reporting as vital to effective disease surveillance and rapid response. He assured that the outcome of the laboratory tests and investigation would be made public once available, while reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of all Benue residents.