The Benue State Government says suspected Mpox cases reported in Korinya Community, Konshisha LGA, were clinically assessed as Chickenpox, with no evidence of an Mpox outbreak.
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| Benue State health officials conduct disease surveillance following reports of a suspected Mpox outbreak in Konshisha LGA. |
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — The Benue State Government has dismissed reports of a suspected Mpox outbreak in Korinya Community, Konshisha Local Government Area, saying investigations conducted by health authorities indicate that the reported cases are clinically consistent with Chickenpox and not Mpox.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, said the state government launched an immediate public health investigation after reports circulated on social media on July 25 alleging that several residents had developed severe fever and blister-like skin rashes suspected to be Mpox.
According to the commissioner, the reports were treated as a potential public health event, prompting the activation of relevant disease surveillance and emergency response structures in the state.
The investigation involved the Benue State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, the State Epidemiology Unit and the Disease Surveillance and Notification System.
Dr. Ogwuche said a joint team of health officials visited the affected community and identified two adult residents who had experienced fever followed by widespread blister-like skin rashes.
Both patients had reportedly sought medical attention before the investigation and were already showing significant signs of recovery.
Following detailed clinical assessments, health officials concluded that the illness followed a pattern consistent with Chickenpox.
The commissioner explained that the skin lesions observed during the assessment had dried and formed crusts, while there was no involvement of the palms, soles or oral mucous membranes.
These clinical observations, he said, were considered important in distinguishing the reported cases from Mpox.
“Based on the findings available at this time, there is no evidence of an Mpox outbreak in Korinya Community,” Ogwuche said.
Despite ruling out an Mpox outbreak based on the findings available, the Benue State Government said disease surveillance had been strengthened in Korinya and neighbouring communities.
The continued monitoring is intended to ensure that any new or unusual health cases are promptly identified, assessed and appropriately managed.
Health authorities are expected to continue working with community leaders, health facilities and disease surveillance officers to monitor developments and provide accurate information to residents.
The government said the precautionary measures were necessary to protect public health and prevent misinformation from causing unnecessary fear.
The Benue State Government urged residents to avoid spreading unverified reports about disease outbreaks and to rely on information issued by recognised health authorities.
It also encouraged members of the public to report unusual illness, persistent fever or unexplained skin rashes to the nearest healthcare facility or relevant disease surveillance officers.
Public health experts say early reporting can help authorities assess suspected health events quickly and take appropriate action where necessary.
The government assured residents of Konshisha Local Government Area and other parts of the state that health authorities remain alert and prepared to respond to potential public health threats.
Chickenpox and Mpox can both cause fever and blister-like skin rashes, but they are different illnesses and may present with distinct clinical features.
Chickenpox commonly produces an itchy rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters before drying and forming scabs. Mpox may also cause fever and skin lesions but can involve other symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes and lesions affecting areas such as the palms, soles and mouth.
Health officials determine the likely cause of an illness through clinical assessment and, where necessary, laboratory testing.
Residents experiencing symptoms should avoid self-diagnosis and seek professional medical advice.
The state government said the findings currently available do not support claims of an Mpox outbreak in Korinya Community.
However, authorities stressed that surveillance would continue as part of routine public health monitoring.
Prime Brief Media will continue to follow developments and provide updates based on verified information from the Benue State Ministry of Health and other relevant public health authorities.
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