Mpox Outbreak: Benue State, Nigeria, Reports 31 Suspected Cases, Six Confirmed
Benue State, Nigeria, has reported a surge in suspected Mpox cases, with a total of 31 suspected infections across five Local Government Areas (LGAs), according to Mrs. Grace Wende, the Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board. She announced these figures at a stakeholders’ engagement and town hall meeting focused on the Mpox vaccination rollout on Thursday.
Out of the 31 suspected cases, six have been officially confirmed. The distribution of these cases across the LGAs is as follows: 10 in Makurdi, eight in Katsina-Ala, seven in Gwer East, four in Guma, and two in Ushongo LGAs. The confirmed cases were identified in June, with laboratory results released in July. They include one case each in Gwer East and Guma LGAs, two cases in Katsina-Ala, and three in Makurdi.
Mrs. Wende emphasized that all close contacts of the confirmed cases have been identified, their information recorded, and they have been monitored for 43 days without showing any symptoms. These individuals are now scheduled to receive vaccinations. She also clarified that the upcoming Mpox vaccination drive will focus on communities at higher risk of outbreak, rather than the entire state.
The Executive Secretary called on all relevant stakeholders to actively support the vaccination campaign and urged prompt reporting of any suspected Mpox cases to enable swift intervention by health officials. UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Health Consultant, Victor Olaniyi, explained that Mpox is an infectious viral disease that can affect both humans and animals, with symptoms including blistering rashes, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
Olaniyi reassured the public about the safety of the vaccines, stating that the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the vaccine for emergency use. The vaccination campaign will target individuals aged 18 and above in specific communities, due to limited vaccine supplies. It will be administered in two doses for full protection.
Olaniyi stressed the importance of practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with individuals displaying Mpox symptoms, emphasizing that the vaccines offer a safe and effective tool in combating the disease.
Why it matters
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a rare and potentially serious viral infection. Although it does not spread easily between people, prompt healthcare intervention and vigilance are crucial to containing its spread. Effective vaccination campaigns are vital in protecting vulnerable communities.
