Benue State health authorities have confirmed an outbreak of Mpox across five Local Government Areas, with seven cases already verified and 31 others under investigation.
The affected LGAs are Makurdi, Ushongo, Gwer East, Katsina-Ala, and Guma. Officials say the infections were recorded in June, and laboratory confirmation was completed in July.
Speaking during a townhall on the upcoming Mpox vaccination rollout, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Grace Wende, gave the update through the State Immunisation Officer, Emmanuel Adega.
“We’ve confirmed one case in Gwer East, two in Katsina-Ala, three in Makurdi, and one in Guma,” he said. “Ten suspected cases were recorded in Makurdi, eight in Katsina-Ala, seven in Gwer East, four in Guma, and two in Ushongo.”
Adega added that all known contacts of the confirmed patients have been monitored for over 40 days and cleared for vaccination.
According to the board, the Mpox vaccination campaign will not cover the entire state. It will be restricted to communities considered high-risk for further spread.
“We’ve line-listed those who had contact with the confirmed cases. They’ll be prioritised for vaccination,” Adega said.
At the same event, a health consultant with UNICEF, Victor Olaniyi, explained that Mpox is a viral infection that affects humans and animals. He listed symptoms to watch for: fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes that blister and later crust over.
He stressed that while the disease is infectious, the approved vaccines are safe, effective, and free.
“We’re targeting adults aged 18 and above. Two doses are required for full protection,” Olaniyi said. “But personal hygiene and early reporting of symptoms remain critical to containing the outbreak.”
The health authorities are urging residents to avoid close contact with people showing symptoms and report any suspected cases to the nearest health centre.
