Mpox
Benue State in Nigeria is grappling with an outbreak of Mpox, also known as Monkeypox, with 31 suspected cases reported across five Local Government Areas: Makurdi, Ushongo, Gwer East, Katsina-Ala, and Guma. Out of these suspected cases, seven have been confirmed positive.
Makurdi LGA has reported 10 suspected cases and 3 confirmed cases, Katsina-Ala LGA has 8 suspected cases and 2 confirmed cases, Gwer East LGA has 7 suspected cases and 1 confirmed case, Guma LGA has 4 suspected cases and 1 confirmed case, and Ushongo LGA has 2 suspected cases with no confirmed cases reported.
The Benue State government has begun preparations for a vaccination campaign, focusing on high-risk communities. The World Health Organization-approved vaccine will be administered to individuals aged 18 and above, with two doses required for full protection. The government has identified and monitored individuals who came into contact with confirmed cases, and they will receive vaccinations as part of the containment efforts.
Mpox is a highly contagious viral disease that can occur in humans and other animals. Symptoms include rashes that form blisters and crust over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. To prevent the spread of Mpox, individuals are advised to maintain personal hygiene, avoid contact with people showing symptoms, and get vaccinated.
The state government has urged stakeholders to support the vaccination campaign and encourage prompt reporting of suspected cases to enable swift intervention by health officials.
