Benue State has identified four confirmed instances of monkeypox.
Dr. Asema Msuega, the State Epidemiologist, shared this information with reporters during a phone call on Thursday, mentioning that there were 20 suspected cases as of the most recent update.
Msuega noted that three out of the four confirmed cases have been treated and released from the isolation facility, with the fourth case being confirmed the previous Friday.
He added that the fourth patient remains in the isolation center, where they are receiving care and showing positive progress.
On the suspected cases, the state epidemiologist said that some of the patients were out of isolation, saying, “It’s not every case that we take to hospital for isolation. We advised some to self-isolate at home just like we were doing during the outbreak of COVID-19.
“The patients are being treated at the isolation centre of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
“For this year up-to-date, we have 20 suspected cases of monkey pox and four confirmed cases in Benúe State.
“Initially, we have three confirmed cases that were treated and discharged from the isolation centre, the fourth case was just confirmed last Friday from the reference laboratory.
“That patient is still in isolation and receiving treatment but responding well. Many of the suspected cases have also come out of isolation.”
Msuega explained that the confirmed cases were from Makurdi and Gwer West Local Government Areas while the suspected cases come from five local governments ; Ushongo, Kastina-Ala, Gboko, Makurdi and Gwer West.
“The most recent is from Gwer East whose sample we have sent to the laboratory and awaiting results before the end of this week,” he said.
The state epidemiologist announced that a widespread awareness campaign has been launched to inform the public about the disease and to promote fundamental prevention and control practices, including hand washing and minimizing unnecessary contact with others, particularly those who are suspected to be infected.
He noted that promptly identifying and reporting suspected cases to local health centers or hospitals will aid in controlling the spread of the disease.
