The Benue State Government has dismissed reports of a Mpox outbreak, saying no case has been confirmed despite social media claims of a suspected infection in Konshisha Local Government Area.
The Ministry of Health and Human Services said it activated its disease surveillance system after receiving reports of a suspected Mpox case at Tyokula Achihi Residence in Korinya, Konshisha LGA.
Health officials were immediately deployed to investigate the incident and collect clinical samples for laboratory analysis.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, said laboratory confirmation is required before any diagnosis of Mpox can be made.
He stressed that no outbreak has been confirmed in the state, noting that symptoms such as skin rashes and fever can result from several medical conditions.
The ministry said its disease surveillance system remains active across all 23 local government areas and that it is working with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation and other development partners to ensure prompt detection and response to public health threats.
It urged residents to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified information and seek medical attention at the nearest health facility if they experience fever accompanied by unexplained rashes or blisters.
The government assured residents that the outcome of the ongoing investigation and laboratory tests would be made public once available and said appropriate response measures would be implemented immediately if any disease of public health importance is confirmed.
The ministry also commended members of the community for promptly reporting the suspected case, describing early reporting as vital to effective disease surveillance and response.