Benue State Confirms No Mpox Cases After Investigation

The Benue State Government announced there are no confirmed cases of Mpox in the state. Dr. Paul Ogwuche, the State Commissioner for Health and Human Resources, made this declaration in a statement released on Monday in Makurdi.

Previously, on Friday, Dr. Ogwuche indicated that the ministry was investigating a suspected Mpox case in the Korinya community of Konshisha LGA. Following a thorough investigation by the Ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, the State Epidemiology Unit, and the Disease Surveillance and Notification System, it was determined that the symptoms observed were more consistent with Chickenpox (Varicella).

Two adults in Korinya had experienced fever and skin rashes but showed marked clinical improvement before the investigation team arrived. The clinical assessment revealed that the illness followed the typical course of Chickenpox, with no involvement of the palms, soles, or mucous membranes, which are commonly associated with Mpox.

The investigation found no known contact with any confirmed or suspected Mpox cases.