Edo Confirms Dengue Fever Outbreak, Records 86 Cases Across LGAs
Health Commissioner activates emergency response as state battles multiple disease outbreaks, urges residents to prevent mosquito breeding.
The Edo State Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Dengue Fever, with 86 cases reported across several local government areas.
At a press briefing in Benin City, the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, disclosed that an Emergency Operation Centre has been activated to coordinate a comprehensive response to the outbreak.
Dr. Oshiomhole said the state’s response plan includes intensified disease surveillance, case management, mosquito control, and environmental sanitation in affected communities.
“Dengue Fever is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti,” he explained. “It spreads rapidly in areas with stagnant water and poor sanitation, which create ideal mosquito breeding conditions.”
To contain the spread, residents are urged to cover water containers, use mosquito nets, apply insect repellents, and eliminate stagnant water around their homes.
Healthcare workers across the state have also been placed on high alert and instructed to report any suspected cases promptly.
In addition to the Dengue outbreak, the commissioner revealed that Edo has recorded 147 cases of Lassa Fever with 24 fatalities. There are also two confirmed cases of Yellow Fever with one death, eight confirmed cases of Monkeypox with no fatalities, and eight cases of Diphtheria resulting in three deaths.
Dr. Oshiomhole reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting public health and assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to control the outbreaks.
