The Edo State Government has officially declared an outbreak of dengue fever, with 86 confirmed cases reported across multiple local government areas, raising fresh public health concerns in the region.
The State Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole, made the announcement during a press briefing on Friday in Benin City. He described the situation as “deeply troubling” and emphasized the need for swift, coordinated action.
“We have confirmed 86 cases of dengue fever across several LGAs. While investigations are ongoing to verify related deaths, the emerging trend is alarming and requires urgent, collective intervention,” Dr. Oshiomhole stated.
In a broader update on the state’s disease surveillance efforts, the Commissioner also revealed the following figures:
137 cases of Lassa fever, with 24 fatalities, 2 confirmed cases of Yellow Fever, including 1 death, 8 recorded cases of Mpox, 8 confirmed cases of Diphtheria, resulting in 3 deaths.
To bolster the state’s response, Dr. Ojeifo Stephenson, the Director of Public Health, has been appointed as the Incident Manager to oversee the outbreak response.
“The Ministry of Health has activated the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and is implementing a comprehensive, state-wide dengue response strategy,” Oshiomhole added.
“This includes intensified disease surveillance, prompt case management, aggressive vector control, targeted risk communication, and environmental sanitation across all affected communities.”
Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral disease, has been gaining a foothold in parts of West Africa in recent years. Its symptoms often mimic those of malaria, making early detection and diagnosis critical.
Public health authorities are urging residents to take preventive measures such as eliminating stagnant water, using mosquito nets and repellents, and seeking medical attention at the onset of symptoms like high fever, rash, and joint pain.
The Edo State Government is collaborating with national and international health partners to curb the spread and ensure adequate medical response.
