Key Takeaways
- The Benue State Government has confirmed that reported cases of a suspected Monkeypox outbreak are clinically consistent with Chickenpox.
- Investigations by the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre and the State Epidemiology Unit led to this conclusion.
- Surveillance has been intensified in the affected area to promptly detect any emerging public health threats.
The Benue State Government on Monday ruled out a suspected outbreak of Monkeypox in Korinya community of Konshisha Local Government Area, saying investigations showed the reported cases were clinically consistent with Chickenpox. This conclusion was made after an investigation by the ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), the State Epidemiology Unit and the Disease Surveillance and Notification System, following social media reports alleging that several residents had developed fever and blister-like skin rashes suspected to be Monkeypox.
According to the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Paul Ogwuche, 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. 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.
Clinical assessment showed the illness followed the typical course of Chickenpox, with the skin lesions already dried and crusted over. There were no lesions on the palms, soles or mouth – key clinical features commonly associated with Monkeypox – and no epidemiological link with any confirmed or suspected Monkeypox case. 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 Monkeypox.
Public Health Response
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 (NCDC) and Prevention protocols. The commissioner 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.
Why This Matters
This development is crucial in maintaining public trust and avoiding unnecessary panic in the face of suspected disease outbreaks. By relying on scientific investigations and official information, the public can be assured of accurate and timely information to protect their health and wellbeing.