The Edo State Government has officially declared a dengue fever outbreak in the state.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, announced during a press conference in Benin City, the state capital.
“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 said.
While providing an update on other broader disease cases, he stated that the state had recorded 137 Lassa Fever cases, resulting in 24 deaths, two confirmed cases of Yellow Fever, with one death, eight Mpox cases, and eight confirmed cases of Diphtheria, with three deaths.
He also announced the appointment of Dr. Ojeifo Stephenson, the Director of Public Health, as the Incident Manager to coordinate and lead the response to this outbreak.
“The Ministry of Health has activated the Emergency Operations Centre and is rolling out a statewide dengue response plan. This includes surveillance, case management, vector control, risk communication, and environmental sanitation across all affected LGAs.” He added.
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How to Prevent Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and Aedes Albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), which breed in clean, standing water and are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours. Therefore, the most effective way to stop dengue is to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and protect ourselves from bites.
Here’s How Every Resident Can Help:
- Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites
* Empty and scrub water-holding containers, such as used tires, buckets, flower pots, and drums, at least once a week.
* Clear gutters and drains to prevent stagnant water.
* Maintain swimming pools properly with chlorine and cover them when not in use.
- Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
* Use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or lemon eucalyptus oil on exposed skin.
* Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and socks, especially during dawn and dusk.
* Use mosquito nets, even during the day, as Aedes mosquitoes bite both during the day and at night.
* Install screens on doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
He advised the public not to panic but to partner with the government to stem the tide of the disease.
“Government cannot do it alone. Your homes, your neighbourhoods, and your workplaces are frontline battlegrounds in this fight.
“To our healthcare workers, remain alert, report suspected cases, and educate patients,” he said.
