The Edo State Ministry of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Dengue Fever, with 86 reported cases across multiple local government areas.
Naijaonpoint reports that the development was announced during a press briefing on Friday by the State Commissioner for Health, Cyril Oshiomhole.
Oshiomhole assured the public that under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the state remains fully committed to protecting the health of its residents.
He stressed that the administration is actively working to contain the outbreak and ensure public safety.
“The Governor’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the health of our people. We will continue to work tirelessly until this and any other outbreak is under control,” Oshiomhole stated.
In a bid to tackle the situation, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojiefoh, has been appointed as the incident manager to lead the state’s response.
“The Emergency Operation Center has been activated, and we have rolled out a comprehensive statewide response plan,” Oshiomhole added.
This plan includes surveillance, case management, vector control, and environmental sanitation across all affected areas.
Oshiomhole also urged healthcare workers in the state to remain on high alert and report any suspected cases promptly to help curb the spread of the disease.
Representatives from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the State Disease Surveillance Team, and other key stakeholders were present at the briefing to offer support in the ongoing efforts.
The Commissioner explained that Dengue Fever is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes thrive in areas with poor sanitation and stagnant water, which provide ideal breeding grounds.
To prevent the spread of the disease, Oshiomhole advised residents to keep their surroundings clean, cover water containers, use mosquito nets, apply insect repellents, and eliminate potential breeding sites for mosquitoes.
Other Health Updates: Lassa Fever, Yellow Fever, Monkeypox, and Diphtheria Cases
In addition to the Dengue outbreak, Dr. Oshiomhole provided updates on other disease situations in the state:
- Lassa Fever: 137 confirmed cases with 24 deaths
- Yellow Fever: 2 confirmed cases with 1 death
- Monkeypox (Npox): 8 confirmed cases with no deaths
- Diphtheria: 8 confirmed cases with three deaths
Naijaonpoint reports that the confirmation of Dengue Fever in Edo State has since raised concerns among residents.