By Peter Omopo
Benin City | July 5, 2025 — The Edo State Government has declared an outbreak of dengue fever, with 86 cases confirmed across various parts of the state.
This development comes as the state continues to battle a concurrent outbreak of Lassa fever, which has claimed 24 lives from 137 confirmed cases recorded since the beginning of the year.
At a press briefing in Benin City on Friday, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, confirmed the dengue fever outbreak and announced the activation of an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate containment efforts.
He disclosed that Dr. Stephenson Ojiefoh, the Director of Public Health, has been appointed as the Incident Manager to lead the response team.
“The Edo State Ministry of Health confirms the outbreak of dengue fever. So far, 86 cases have been reported across the state,” Oshiomhole stated. “We have implemented strategic measures, including intensified surveillance, case management, vector control, and environmental sanitation in affected communities.”
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and take preventive measures, such as eliminating stagnant water sources, using insecticide-treated nets, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms like high fever, rash, or joint pain occur.
Health officials are working in collaboration with national and international partners to mitigate the spread of both dengue and Lassa fevers.
