The Benue State Government has launched an investigation into a suspected Mpox case in Konshisha LGA, deploying health officials for assessment and laboratory testing while assuring residents that no outbreak has been confirmed.

The Benue State Ministry of Health has commenced an investigation into reports of a suspected Mpox case in Konshisha Local Government Area, activating its disease surveillance system while cautioning the public that no outbreak has been confirmed.

The investigation was announced on Saturday in a statement by Paul Ogwuche, Commissioner of Health, following social media reports alleging a suspected Mpox outbreak at Tyokula Achihi in Konshisha LGA.

Epidemiologist deployed, clinical samples to be collected

Ogwuche said the ministry responded immediately to the circulating reports by triggering its established surveillance protocols.

The director of public health, he said, had directed the state epidemiologist to deploy the disease surveillance and notification officer (DSNO) for Konshisha to conduct an on-the-ground assessment, investigate the suspected case and collect clinical samples for laboratory testing.

The commissioner cautioned that laboratory analysis is required before Mpox can be confirmed, noting that fever and skin rashes — the symptoms cited in the social media reports — may be indicative of several medical conditions and should not be attributed to Mpox without scientific verification.

Ministry maintains active surveillance across all 23 LGAs

Ogwuche said the state’s disease surveillance infrastructure remains operational and connected to federal and international health bodies.

“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,” he said.

What residents should do and avoid

The commissioner urged residents to refrain from spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic, and advised anyone experiencing fever accompanied by unexplained rashes and blisters to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

He also commended the community for its early reporting.

“We commend members of the community for promptly reporting the situation, as early reporting is essential for effective disease surveillance and response,” Ogwuche said.

“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.”