No Mpox Outbreak in Benue, Investigation identified Suspected Cases as Chickenpox – Ogwuche

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has dismissed reports of a suspected Mpox outbreak in Korinya Community, Konshisha Local Government Area, saying investigations have confirmed that the reported cases are clinically consistent with Chickenpox (Varicella), not Mpox.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. paul Ogwuche, and issued to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday, said it launched an immediate investigation after receiving social media reports on July 25, 2026, alleging that several residents of Tyokula Achihi Residence along the Vandeikya-Konshisha Road had developed severe fever and blister-like skin rashes suspected to be Mpox.

Ogwuche said the report, which generated widespread concern, was treated as a suspected public health event, prompting the activation of the state’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), the State Epidemiology Unit and the Disease Surveillance and Notification System.

According to him, a joint investigation involving the Konshisha Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, the State Epidemiologist and the World Health Organization (WHO) community surveillance network identified two adult residents who had experienced fever followed by widespread blister-like rashes.

He explained that both patients had already sought treatment at a private health facility in Korinya and were showing significant recovery before the investigation team arrived.

The ministry said detailed clinical assessment revealed that the illness followed the typical pattern of Chickenpox rather than Mpox.

He noted that the skin lesions had already dried and crusted over, indicating a self-limiting viral infection, while there was no involvement of the palms, soles or oral mucous membranes, features commonly associated with Mpox.

He also explained that the investigation also established that neither patient had any known contact with confirmed or suspected Mpox cases, further reducing the likelihood of the disease.

He said photographs of the skin lesions and accompanying clinical information reviewed by investigators also supported the conclusion that the illness was clinically compatible with Chickenpox.

He said “Based on the findings available at this time, there is no evidence of an Mpox outbreak in Korinya Community, Konshisha LGA.”

Despite the findings, the ministry said surveillance has been intensified in Korinya and surrounding communities to ensure that any emerging public health threat is detected promptly.

It added that if new suspected cases emerge, clinical samples would be collected and sent to the National Reference Laboratory for laboratory confirmation in line with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) surveillance protocols.

The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic, while commending community members for promptly reporting the unusual illness.

The ministry reiterated that public health decisions must be guided by scientific evidence and assured residents that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia remains committed to strengthening disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control systems, and rapid response mechanisms across the state.

He appreciated the cooperation of the Konshisha LGA, traditional rulers, healthcare workers, disease surveillance officers, the WHO and other health partners for their swift and coordinated response and advised residents to maintain good personal hygiene, promptly report of any unusual illness to the nearest health facility, and rely only on official information issued by the Ministry and other recognized public health authorities.