The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has said the case of Mpox outbreak as reported on the social media is still a rumour until it is confirmed after sample is collected and investigated.
Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Egwuche, said the ministry activated its surveillance system after reports circulated on social media about a suspected case at a residence in Korinya.
He said the Director of Public Health directed the State Epidemiologist to deploy a Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer to the location for assessment, case investigation and sample collection.
“At this stage, no Mpox outbreak has been confirmed in Benue State. Skin rashes and fever can result from several medical conditions, and laboratory confirmation is required before any diagnosis is made,” Dr Egwuche said.
He said the state government, under Governor Hyacinth Alia, places high priority on protecting residents’ health, and that the surveillance system was active across all 23 local government areas in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO). NigerianEntrepreneur Support
The ministry appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information. It urged anyone with fever and unexplained rashes or blisters to report to the nearest health facility and avoid close contact with others until assessed.
Dr Egwuche commended the community for prompt reporting, saying early detection was essential for effective response. The ministry said it will keep the public informed as laboratory findings become available.
