Benue launches Mpox vaccination after confirming 7 infections

Benue State has reported 31 suspected cases of Mpox across five Local Government Areas, Makurdi, Ushongo, Gwer East, Katsina-Ala, and Guma, with seven cases already confirmed.

The disclosure was made on Thursday by Mrs. Grace Wende, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Primary Health Care Board, during the Benue State Stakeholders Engagement/Townhall Meeting on the upcoming Mpox vaccination rollout. She was represented by the State Immunization Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Adega.

According to the breakdown, Makurdi recorded 10 unconfirmed cases, Katsina-Ala had eight, Gwer East seven, Guma four, and Ushongo two. Out of these, one case was confirmed in Gwer East, two in Katsina-Ala, three in Makurdi, and one in Guma. All cases were recorded in June, and laboratory results were released in July.

Mrs. Wende explained that contact tracing has been completed for individuals who had close contact with the confirmed cases.

“Their names have been taken for vaccination after 43 days of monitoring without any signs of the disease,” she said.

She clarified that the vaccination exercise will not be statewide but focused on communities considered at high risk of an outbreak.

She called on all stakeholders to support the campaign and ensure timely reporting of suspected Mpox cases.

Also speaking at the event, Victor Olaniyi, a Social and Behaviour Change Health Consultant with UNICEF, described Mpox as a contagious viral infection that affects both humans and animals.

He listed symptoms such as rashes that develop into blisters and crust over, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

Olaniyi assured that the Mpox vaccine, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency use, is safe and effective. He said the limited doses available would be targeted at individuals aged 18 and above in specific communities.

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“The vaccine is free, and two doses are required for full protection. We must continue to maintain hygiene and avoid contact with anyone exhibiting symptoms of Mpox,” he advised.