The Edo State Government has declared an outbreak of dengue fever following the confirmation of 86 cases across multiple local government areas.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, made the announcement during a press briefing in Benin City, the state capital, on Friday.
“We have confirmed 86 cases of dengue fever across several local government areas. While the number of deaths is still under verification, the trend is worrisome and calls for decisive, collective action,” he stated.
Providing an update on other disease outbreaks, Oshiomhole revealed that the state had also recorded 137 cases of Lassa Fever, resulting in 24 deaths; two confirmed cases of Yellow Fever, with one fatality; eight cases of Mpox; and eight confirmed cases of Diphtheria, with three deaths.
To coordinate the response to the dengue outbreak, the Commissioner announced the appointment of Dr. Ojeifo Stephenson, Director of Public Health, as the Incident Manager.
In response to the health emergency, the Ministry of Health has activated its Emergency Operations Centre and launched a statewide dengue response plan. The strategy includes intensified disease surveillance, case management, vector control, risk communication, and environmental sanitation in all affected local government areas.
Dr. Oshiomhole urged the public to remain calm but proactive, noting that controlling the outbreak requires joint efforts from both government and residents.
“Government cannot do it alone. Your homes, your neighbourhoods, and your workplaces are frontline battlegrounds in this fight,” he emphasized.
“To our healthcare workers, remain alert, report suspected cases, and educate patients.”
How to Prevent Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which breed in clean, stagnant water and are most active during early morning and late afternoon.
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
Empty and scrub containers that hold water—such as used tires, buckets, flower pots, and drums—at least once a week.
Clear gutters and drains to prevent stagnant water accumulation.
Maintain and properly chlorinate swimming pools; cover them when not in use.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil on exposed skin.
Wear long-sleeved clothing, trousers, and socks, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Use mosquito nets, even during the day, as Aedes mosquitoes bite in daylight.
Install mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
The government reiterated its commitment to managing the outbreak effectively while calling on all residents to join hands in preventing further spread.
