Benue State has isolated 20 suspected cases of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) to prevent the spread of the disease.
Out of these, four cases have been confirmed, with three patients already treated and discharged, while one is still receiving treatment.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega,shared this information with newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday. He said, “The fourth patient is still in the isolation center receiving treatment and responding well.”
Dr. Msuega also explained that some patients were advised to self-isolate at home, similar to the practices during the COVID-19 outbreak. “The patients are being treated at the isolation center of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH),” he said.
The confirmed Mpox cases were reported in two Local Government Areas (LGAs), Makurdi and Gwer West, while the suspected cases were detected in five LGAs: Ushongo, Kastina-Ala, Gboko, Makurdi, and Gwer West.
Dr. Msuega mentioned that the most recent suspected case came from Gwer East, and the sample has been sent to the laboratory for testing, with results expected before the end of the week.
To combat the spread of Mpox, the state has launched massive awareness campaigns. Dr. Msuega emphasized the importance of early detection and reporting of suspected cases to nearby health centers or hospitals. He advised people to take basic prevention and control measures seriously, such as regular handwashing and avoiding unnecessary contact with others, especially those suspected of having the disease.
