Benue State on Alert as Residents Report Suspected Mpox Cases – Government Responds Fast

Benue State is on high alert after residents of Korinya, Konshisha Local Government Area, raised the alarm over a mysterious skin disease. The community is scared, but the state government has already swung into action. No need for panic – we have this under control.

The trouble started when young men and women in Tyokula Achihi Residence, along Km 2 Vandeikya Road, started showing severe rashes, fever, and blister-like lesions on their faces, chests, and backs. Fears of a possible Mpox outbreak spread fast, and the community didn't waste time. They sent out a public appeal on July 25, 2026, begging for urgent help from the World Health Organization, NCDC, Federal Ministry of Health, and other big players.

“We are making a desperate public appeal for immediate medical intervention over a suspected outbreak of M-Pox in our community,” the residents said in a statement signed by Shadrach Mtsor. “Many of the affected persons are staff and residents within the same compound and have no access to proper diagnosis, isolation or treatment. We fear this could spread to the wider Korinya community and beyond if not contained now.”

The community is poor, and they know they can't handle this alone. They called for a rapid response medical team, isolation materials, PPE, hygiene kits, free treatment, public health education, and even a possible temporary closure of the affected workplace. “We are scared,” they added. “We appeal to all well-meaning bodies, NGOs and government agencies to come to our aid before this becomes a bigger epidemic.”

But here's the good news: the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services didn't sleep on this. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, confirmed that the Ministry activated its disease surveillance system immediately after seeing the reports on social media. The Director of Public Health was instructed to work with the State Epidemiologist, who deployed the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer for Konshisha LGA to the scene. They are now on the ground, assessing the situation and collecting samples for lab analysis.

Dr. Ogwuche made it clear: no Mpox outbreak has been confirmed yet. “It is important to emphasise that skin rashes and fever can result from several medical conditions, and laboratory confirmation is required before any diagnosis of Mpox can be made,” he stated. The government is not jumping to conclusions, but they are taking every precaution.

The administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia is committed to protecting public health. Disease surveillance is active across all 23 LGAs, working hand in hand with the NCDC, Federal Ministry of Health, WHO, and other partners. The commissioner urged the public to stay calm and avoid spreading unverified information. If you have fever with unexplained rashes or blisters, report to the nearest health facility immediately and avoid close contact until you're checked.

Dr. Ogwuche also praised the Korinya community for reporting the cases early. “Early reporting is critical to effective disease surveillance and emergency response,” he said. The Ministry will release the findings as soon as lab results are in, and if Mpox or any other disease is confirmed, they will act fast according to national guidelines.

This is Africa taking charge of its own health security. No waiting for foreign saviors. Benue State is on it, and we will get through this together.