The number of confirmed Monkeypox cases in Benue State has escalated to 20, with four new samples testing positive, according to recent reports.
Dr. Asema Msuega, the State Epidemiologist, shared this information with journalists in Makurdi. He revealed that the confirmed cases are concentrated in two local government areas: Makurdi and Gwer West. Meanwhile, suspected cases have been reported across five additional local government areas: Ushongo, Katsina-Ala, Gboko, Makurdi, and Gwer West.
Dr. Msuega also noted that the most recent suspected case is from Gwer East, with samples already dispatched to the laboratory for testing.
He further stated that three previously confirmed cases have been successfully treated and discharged from the isolation center at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. The fourth confirmed case, identified last week, is currently receiving treatment at the isolation center and is responding positively to the medical intervention.
“Not all cases require hospital isolation; we advise some individuals to self-isolate at home, similar to our approach during the COVID-19 outbreak,” Dr. Msuega explained.
To combat the spread of the disease, the state government is implementing extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about Monkeypox and promote preventive measures such as handwashing and avoiding unnecessary contact with suspected individuals.
“Early detection and reporting of suspected cases to the nearest health centers—whether primary, secondary, or tertiary—are crucial,” Dr. Msuega emphasized.
