Benue State has reported 31 suspected cases of Mpox across five Local Government Areas, with six of them confirmed.
The affected LGAs include Makurdi, Ushongo, Gwer East, Katsina-Ala, and Guma.
This was revealed by the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Grace Wende, during a stakeholders’ engagement and town hall meeting on the rollout of the Mpox vaccination campaign.
Her remarks were delivered by the State Immunisation Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Adega.
Providing a breakdown, Mr. Adega stated that Makurdi recorded 10 suspected cases, Katsina-Ala had eight, Gwer East reported seven, Guma logged four, and Ushongo had two.
“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 said.
She added that contact tracing had been conducted for all confirmed cases, and those identified had been monitored for 43 days without developing symptoms.
“As we speak, we have listed all the people who came into 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.”
Mrs. Wende emphasized that the upcoming vaccination campaign would focus solely on areas considered high-risk, rather than covering the entire state.
She appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure timely reporting of suspected Mpox cases and the success of the targeted vaccination exercise.
Speaking at the event, Victor Olaniyi, Social and Behaviour Change Health Consultant with the United Nations Children’s Fund, described Mpox as a contagious viral infection that affects both humans and animals.
He explained that the disease presents with symptoms such as fever, rashes that develop into blisters and later crust, as well as swollen lymph nodes.
“Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals,” he said.
He stressed the importance of early detection and vaccination, noting that while the vaccines are safe, their limited supply necessitates focused immunisation efforts.
“The vaccine is safe, effective, and free. Two doses are required for full protection. We must also continue to practice hygiene and avoid contact with people showing symptoms of Mpox,” Olaniyi added.
He confirmed that the World Health Organization had approved the vaccine for emergency use, and only adults aged 18 and above would be eligible to receive it during the rollout.
