Edo confirms Dengue fever outbreak, records 86 cases

… advises residents to keep clean surroundings 

The Edo State government on Friday confirmed an outbreak of Dengue Fever, with 86 cases reported across several local government areas in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, stated this during a press briefing, assuring that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains fully committed to protecting residents’ health and will continue to work until all outbreaks are under control.

Dr. Oshiomhole said the Director of Public Health, Dr. Stephenson Ojiefoh, has been appointed incident manager to lead the response. He added, “The Emergency Operation Center has been activated, and the Ministry is rolling out a statewide response plan.This plan includes surveillance, case management, vector control, and environmental sanitation across all affected areas.”

He urged healthcare workers across the state to be on high alert and report any suspected cases promptly.

The Commissioner explained that Dengue Fever is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. The disease spreads rapidly, especially in areas with poor sanitation and stagnant water, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

He advised residents to keep their surroundings clean, cover water containers, use mosquito nets, apply insect repellents, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.