The Edo State Government has confirmed an outbreak of Dengue Fever, with 86 reported cases identified across multiple local government areas.
The alarming revelation was made on Friday by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, during a press briefing in Benin City.
According to Dr. Oshiomhole, the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo is deeply committed to safeguarding public health and is taking robust measures to bring the outbreak under control.
As part of the emergency response, the Ministry of Health has activated the State’s Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) and developed a comprehensive response strategy.
The response plan, he said, includes intensified surveillance, improved case management, vector control, and enhanced environmental sanitation efforts in all affected communities.
To lead this critical effort, the ministry has appointed Dr. Stephenson Ojiefoh, the Director of Public Health, as the Incident Manager to coordinate the response and ensure a structured approach.
Dr. Oshiomhole emphasized the urgency of the situation and called on all healthcare professionals across Edo State to maintain a high level of vigilance. He urged them to promptly report any suspected cases of Dengue Fever to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention.
The press conference was attended by representatives of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the State Disease Surveillance and Notification Team, officials from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), directors from the Ministry of Health, and other relevant stakeholders.
Highlighting the cause and mode of transmission, the Commissioner explained that Dengue Fever is a viral disease spread primarily by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. He noted that the disease spreads rapidly in areas with poor sanitation and stagnant water—ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
To curb the spread, Dr. Oshiomhole advised residents to keep their environment clean, cover all water storage containers, destroy stagnant water around their homes, and consistently use insect repellents and mosquito nets.
In addition to the Dengue outbreak, Dr. Oshiomhole also provided an update on the status of other communicable diseases within the state. He revealed that Lassa Fever has so far recorded 137 confirmed cases and 24 deaths.
Yellow Fever has seen two confirmed cases with one fatality. Eight confirmed cases of Monkeypox (also known as Npox) have been recorded without any deaths. Diphtheria, meanwhile, has recorded eight confirmed cases resulting in three deaths.
The Commissioner reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen disease surveillance, improve healthcare delivery, and partner with relevant stakeholders to safeguard the well-being of all Edo residents.