Benue State has reported 31 suspected cases of Mpox across five Local Government Areas: Makurdi, Katsina-Ala, Gwer East, Guma, and Ushongo. Of these, seven cases have been confirmed following laboratory testing.
This was revealed at a town hall meeting in Makurdi focused on the planned Mpox vaccination rollout. The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Grace Wende, represented by the State Immunisation Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Adega, said the confirmed cases include three in Makurdi, two in Katsina-Ala, one each in Gwer East and Guma. Samples were collected in June, with results released in July.
Contacts of the infected individuals have been identified and observed for 43 days. None of them have shown symptoms, and they are scheduled for vaccination.
The state government clarified that the vaccination drive will not cover the entire state but will be limited to high-risk communities. Residents have been encouraged to report any suspected Mpox symptoms promptly for swift medical intervention.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Consultant, Victor Olaniyi, described Mpox as a contagious viral disease with symptoms such as fever, rashes that develop into blisters, and swollen lymph nodes. He stressed that the disease spreads easily but can be prevented through hygiene, early detection, and vaccination.
Olaniyi confirmed that the vaccine, approved by the World Health Organization for emergency use, will be given free of charge to adults aged 18 and above in affected areas. Two doses are required for full protection.
Health officials are calling on all stakeholders to support the effort and ensure the success of the vaccination campaign in the state.
