Benue State has reported 31 suspected cases of Mpox across five Local Government Areas – Makurdi, Ushongo, Gwer East, Katsina-Ala, and Guma – with seven cases confirmed through laboratory testing.
The disclosure was made by Mrs. Grace Wende, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, during Thursday’s Stakeholders Engagement/Townhall Meeting on Mpox Vaccination Rollout in Makurdi.
Represented by State Immunization Officer Emmanuel Adega, Wende provided a breakdown of the cases: “Of the figures, we have confirmed one case in Gwer East, two cases in Katsina-Ala, three cases in Makurdi, and one case in Guma LGAs. These cases were recorded in June, and samples were collected and taken to the laboratory. The results were released in July.”
She noted unconfirmed cases included 10 in Makurdi, eight in Katsina-Ala, seven in Gwer East, four in Guma, and two in Ushongo.
Health authorities have implemented containment measures, with Wende explaining: “As we speak, we have line-listed all the people who came in contact with the confirmed cases. Their names have been taken for vaccination after monitoring them for 43 days, and they did not come down with the disease.”
The upcoming vaccination campaign will target at-risk communities rather than being a statewide exercise.
UNICEF Health Consultant Victor Olaniyi educated stakeholders about the disease, stating: “Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals.”
He described symptoms including blistering rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes, while assuring the public that “the vaccine is safe, effective, and free. Two doses are required for full protection.”
The vaccination will prioritize adults aged 18+ in affected areas using WHO-approved vaccines, with health officials emphasizing continued hygiene practices and avoidance of symptomatic individuals. Wende urged prompt case reporting to enable rapid response from health teams.