Edo Confirms Dengue Fever Outbreak, Steps Up Disease Response Efforts
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By Simeon OSAJIE
The Edo State Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Dengue Fever with 86 reported cases across several local government areas. This was made known on Friday by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, during a press briefing held in Benin.
Apart from Dengue Fever, the Health Commissioner also gave updates on other disease situations in the state. Lassa Fever has recorded 137 confirmed cases with 24 deaths, Yellow Fever has 2 confirmed cases with 1 death, Monkeypox (Npox) has 8 confirmed cases with no deaths, and Diphtheria has 8 confirmed cases with 3 deaths.
According to Dr. Oshiomhole, “Dengue Fever is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes Aegyptus. The disease spreads quickly, especially in areas with poor sanitation and stagnant water, which provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“To prevent the spread, residents are advised to keep their surroundings clean, cover water containers, use mosquito nets, apply insect repellents, and destroy mosquito breeding sites. Healthcare workers across the state have been advised to be on high alert and to report any suspected cases promptly.
“To tackle the situation, Director Public Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojiefoh has been appointed as the incident manager to lead the response. The Emergency Operation Center has also been activated, and the Ministry is rolling out a statewide response plan. This includes surveillance, case management, vector control, and environmental sanitation across all affected areas.”
The Health Commissioner further assured that the current administration under Governor Monday Okpebholo remains fully committed to protecting the health of residents and will continue working until all outbreaks are brought under control.
Present at the briefing were representatives of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the State Disease Surveillance Team, Ministry of Health Directors, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), and other key stakeholders.
