Benue Confirms Chickenpox Cases, Dismisses Mpox Outbreak Fears

The Benue State Government has dismissed reports of a suspected Mpox outbreak in Korinya Community, Konshisha Local Government Area, confirming that investigations found the reported illnesses to be Chickenpox (Varicella).

The clarification was made on Monday by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, following concerns raised on social media over residents who reportedly developed fever and blister-like skin rashes believed to be Mpox.

According to the commissioner, the Ministry of Health activated its emergency response immediately after receiving the report on July 25, deploying officials from the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), the State Epidemiology Unit, the Disease Surveillance and Notification System, and the World Health Organization (WHO) community surveillance network to investigate the situation.

Dr. Ogwuche said the investigation identified two adult residents who had developed fever followed by skin rashes. Both individuals had already sought treatment at a private health facility and were recovering before the response team arrived.

He explained that clinical examinations showed the illness followed the typical pattern of Chickenpox, with the skin lesions already dried and crusted over.

The commissioner noted that investigators found no lesions on the palms, soles or inside the mouth—clinical signs commonly associated with Mpox. He also stated that there was no epidemiological link between the patients and any confirmed or suspected Mpox case.

According to him, photographs of the skin lesions and other clinical findings further supported the conclusion that the reported cases were consistent with Chickenpox rather than Mpox.

Despite ruling out an Mpox outbreak, the commissioner said disease surveillance had been intensified in Korinya and neighbouring communities. Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers have commenced active case searches to ensure that any emerging public health threat is detected early.

He added that any new suspected case requiring further investigation would have samples collected and forwarded to the National Reference Laboratory for confirmation in line with the guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).

Dr. Ogwuche urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic. He stressed that all suspected disease outbreaks must undergo proper scientific investigation before conclusions are reached.

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

The commissioner reaffirmed the Benue State Government’s commitment to strengthening disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and rapid response systems to safeguard residents against public health threats.