…Says Korinya cases confirmed as chickenpox
The Benue State Government has confirmed that suspected cases of illness reported in Korinya, Konshisha Local Government Area, are clinically consistent with Chickenpox and not Mpox, following a full field investigation by state health authorities.
In a press statement released on Monday, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, said the ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, PHEOC, the State Epidemiology Unit, and the Disease Surveillance and Notification System thoroughly investigated the social media reports that went viral on July 25, 2026.
The reports had alleged that several residents of Tyokula Achihi Residence, along the Vandeikya–Konshisha road in Korinya, were developing severe fever with widespread blister-like rashes suggestive of Mpox. The alert claimed the condition was spreading rapidly and called for urgent government intervention.
In response, the ministry immediately classified the report as a suspected public health event and activated its response mechanisms.
Working under the directive of Governor Hyacinth Alia, health officials deployed the Konshisha LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer, DSNO, alongside the State DSNO, the State Epidemiologist, and members of the World Health Organization, WHO, community surveillance network.
The investigation identified two adult residents of Tyokula Achihi residence who had experienced fever followed by widespread rashes with blister-like lesions on the face, chest, back, and other parts of the body. Both had already sought treatment at a private facility in Korinya and were recovering before the team arrived.
Following detailed clinical assessment, officials concluded the presentation was more consistent with Chickenpox, or Varicella, than Mpox.
“Several key findings supported this conclusion,” Dr. Ogwuche stated. “The illness followed the typical clinical course of Chickenpox. By the time of the investigation, both patients were recovering and their skin lesions had dried and crusted over, indicating a self-limiting viral illness.”
He added that there was no involvement of the palms, soles, or mucous membranes of the mouth, which are commonly associated with Mpox. Epidemiological findings also showed no known contact with any confirmed or suspected Mpox case.
Photographs of the lesions and clinical information submitted during the investigation further supported the assessment that the illness was Chickenpox.
“Accordingly, 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,” the Commissioner said.
Despite the findings, the ministry said surveillance has been intensified in Korinya and neighboring communities. DSNOs will continue active case searches and monitoring to ensure any emerging public health concern is promptly detected.
It stated that If any new active case with symptoms warranting further investigation is identified, appropriate clinical specimens will be collected and sent to the National Reference Laboratory for definitive testing, in line with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, protocols.
Dr. Ogwuche urged residents to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information capable of causing unnecessary fear.
“While Government commends the vigilance of community members who promptly reported the unusual illness, responsible public health communication requires that suspected outbreaks be scientifically investigated and verified before conclusions are drawn,” he said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Alia administration’s commitment to strengthening disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, laboratory capacity, infection prevention, and rapid response systems.
He also appreciated the Konshisha Local Government Council, traditional leaders, healthcare workers, surveillance officers, WHO, and other health partners for ensuring a rapid and coordinated response.
Residents are encouraged to maintain good personal hygiene, report any unusual illness to the nearest health facility, and rely only on official information from the Benue State Ministry of Health and Human Services and other recognized public health authorities.
The ministry said it remains committed to protecting the health of all residents through transparency, vigilance, and timely public health action.
