Benue Confirms Six Mpox Cases, Begins Targeted Vaccination Campaign

Benue Confirms Six Mpox Cases, Begins Targeted Vaccination Campaign

Benue State has reported 31 suspected cases of Mpox across five Local Government Areas (LGAs), with six officially confirmed, prompting a targeted vaccination rollout to prevent further spread.

The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs. Grace Wende, made the disclosure during a stakeholders engagement and town hall meeting on the Mpox Vaccination Rollout held on Thursday. She was represented by the State Immunisation Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Adega.

According to Wende, the suspected cases were reported in Makurdi (10), Katsina-Ala (8), Gwer East (7), Guma (4), and Ushongo (2). Confirmed cases include three in Makurdi, two in Katsina-Ala, one in Gwer East, and one in Guma. These cases were recorded in June, with laboratory results released in July.

“All individuals who had contact with the confirmed cases have been traced, recorded, and monitored for 43 days. None developed symptoms, and they are now being scheduled for vaccination,” Wende stated.

She emphasized that due to limited vaccine supplies, the Mpox vaccination drive will focus only on high-risk communities rather than the entire state.

Wende appealed to community stakeholders for cooperation and urged prompt reporting of suspected cases for timely intervention by health authorities.

Also speaking at the event, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Health Consultant, Mr. Victor Olaniyi, described Mpox as a highly contagious viral disease that affects both humans and animals.

Symptoms, he said, include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and blistering rashes that eventually crust over.

Olaniyi assured the public of the safety of the Mpox vaccine, noting that it has been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency use.

“The vaccine is safe, effective, and free. It will be administered to individuals aged 18 and above, and two doses are required for full protection,” he said.

He advised the public to maintain good hygiene and avoid contact with anyone exhibiting Mpox symptoms.