Benue debunks Mpox outbreak rumours in Konshisha, says cases were chickenpox

By Benedicta Aboh

The Benue State Government has allayed fears over a suspected outbreak of Mpox (Monkeypox) in Korinya Community of Konshisha Local Government Area, declaring that investigations by health authorities found no evidence of the disease in the area.

Instead, the state said the two cases that sparked widespread concern on social media were clinically diagnosed as Chickenpox (Varicella).

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, made the clarification in a statement personally signed by him, saying the Ministry launched an immediate investigation after receiving reports on July 25, 2026, alleging that residents of Tyokula Achihi Residence along the Vandeikya-Konshisha Road had developed fever and blister-like skin rashes suspected to be Mpox.

Ogwuche explained that because of the potential public health implications of the report, the Ministry activated its emergency response mechanism and deployed disease surveillance officials, the State Epidemiologist and members of the World Health Organisation (WHO) community surveillance network to investigate the situation.

According to him, the investigation identified two adults who had earlier suffered from fever and widespread skin rashes but had already sought treatment at a private health facility before the response team arrived.

He said, "The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to reassure the good people of Benue State that the recent social media reports alleging an outbreak of Mpox in Korinya Community have been thoroughly investigated. Based on the findings available at this time, there is no evidence of an Mpox outbreak in Korinya Community, Konshisha Local Government Area."

The Commissioner disclosed that the patients' symptoms and clinical history were consistent with Chickenpox, noting that by the time health officials visited the community, the skin lesions had dried and crusted over, indicating recovery from a self-limiting viral infection.

He further stated that the affected persons had no lesions on their palms, soles or mouth—features commonly associated with Mpox—and that investigators found no contact with any confirmed or suspected Mpox patient.

"The epidemiological investigation established no known contact or link with any confirmed or suspected Mpox case, making the likelihood of Mpox considerably lower," he added.

Despite ruling out an outbreak, Ogwuche said the Ministry had intensified disease surveillance in Korinya and surrounding communities to promptly detect any new suspected cases, assuring that samples would be sent to the National Reference Laboratory for laboratory confirmation if necessary.

He urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified reports capable of creating unnecessary panic, stressing that disease outbreaks must be confirmed through scientific investigation before conclusions are drawn.

The Commissioner also commended the vigilance of community members who raised the alarm, as well as the efforts of the Konshisha Local Government Council, traditional rulers, healthcare workers, Disease Surveillance Officers, the WHO and other health partners for their swift and coordinated response.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration to strengthening disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, laboratory capacity and rapid response systems to protect the health of residents across Benue State.