The Edo State Ministry of Health has confirmed 137 cases of Lassa Fever with 24 deaths, while only one has died out of the 2 reported cases of across the State.
Health Commissioner, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, during a press briefing held in Benin City also said Monkeypox (Npox) has 8 confirmed cases with no deaths, while Diphtheria has 8 confirmed cases with only 3 deaths.
He said, Dengue Fever has the highest number of 86 reported cases across several local government areas.
Oshiomhole said Dengue Fever is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. The disease spreads quickly, especially in areas with poor sanitation and stagnant water, which provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
To prevent the spread, he advised residents 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.
