The Benue State Government on Monday ruled out a suspected outbreak of Monkey pox (Mpox) in Korinya community of Konshisha Local Government Area, saying investigations showed the reported cases were clinically consistent with Chickenpox (Varicella).

State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, said the conclusion followed an investigation by the ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), the State Epidemiology Unit and the Disease Surveillance and Notification System after social media reports alleged that several residents of Tyokula Achihi Residence had developed fever and blister-like skin rashes suspected to be Mpox.

Ogwuche, in a statement, said the ministry received the report on July 25 and immediately activated its emergency response mechanism by deploying disease surveillance officers, the State Epidemiologist and the World Health Organisation (WHO) community surveillance network to verify the claims.

He explained that the investigation identified two adult residents who had earlier developed fever followed by skin rashes but had already sought treatment at a private health facility and were recovering before the investigation team arrived.

He said that clinical assessment showed the illness followed the typical course of Chickenpox, with the skin lesions already dried and crusted over.

He added that there were no lesions on the palms, soles or mouth – key clinical features commonly associated with Mpox – and no epidemiological link with any confirmed or suspected Mpox case.

The commissioner said photographs of the skin lesions and other clinical information reviewed by the investigation team further supported the conclusion that the illness was consistent with Chickenpox rather than Mpox.

He, however, said surveillance had been intensified in Korinya and neighbouring communities, with Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers conducting active case searches to promptly detect any emerging public health threat.

Ogwuche maintained that any new suspected case requiring further investigation would have samples collected and sent to the National Reference Laboratory for definitive testing in line with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) protocols.

The ministry’s commissioner therefore urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic, stressing that suspected disease outbreaks must be scientifically investigated before conclusions are drawn.

He also encouraged members of the public to maintain good personal hygiene, promptly report unusual illnesses to the nearest health facility and rely only on official information from recognised public health authorities.

Ogwuche further reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and rapid response systems to protect residents from public health threats. (Daily Trust)