The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services has officially ruled out fears of an Mpox outbreak in Korinya Community, Konshisha Local Government Area, clarifying that a suspected case was clinically diagnosed as chickenpox (varicella).
A joint investigation carried out by the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, the State Epidemiology Unit, and the Disease Surveillance and Notification System confirmed the findings following a detailed examination of two affected adults in the community.
Investigators revealed that the two patients had experienced fever followed by blister-like skin lesions across their face, chest, and back. According to health officials, both individuals sought treatment at a local private facility and were already showing significant signs of recovery before the state team arrived.
Key clinical features led officials to rule out Mpox in favour of chickenpox. The illness followed a standard self-limiting viral trajectory, with the patients’ skin lesions already dried and crusted over. Crucially, the investigation team observed no lesions on the patients’ palms, soles, or oral mucous membranes, which are key diagnostic indicators typically associated with Mpox.
Furthermore, state health officials established that neither individual had made contact with any confirmed or suspected Mpox cases, substantially reducing the probability of an infection.
The Health Commissioner, Dr Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the outcome on Monday in a statement released in Makurdi, following his initial announcement last Friday regarding the ongoing investigation.
“The Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services wishes to state that, based on the findings available at this time, there is no evidence of an Mpox outbreak in Korinya Community, Konshisha LGA,” Ogwuche said.
He further confirmed, “Following a detailed clinical assessment, the presentation was found to be more consistent with chickenpox (varicella) than Mpox.”