The Benue State Government has confirmed four cases of monkeypox, according to the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Asema Msuega.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday via a phone interview, Msuega revealed that there are also 20 suspected cases of the disease, yet to be confirmed.
Msuega said that three of the four confirmed cases were treated and discharged from the isolation centre, adding that the fourth case was confirmed last Friday.
He stated that the fourth patient is still in the isolation centre where he is receiving treatment and responding well.
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 said that the state has embarked on massive awareness campaign to educate people about the disease and to imbibe basic prevention and control measures, such as; washing of hands, avoid unnecessary contacts with people, especially suspected people.
He said that early detection and reporting of suspected cases to the nearest health centres or hospital will help to curtail the disease.