The Edo State Ministry of Health on Friday, July 4, 2025, officially confirmed an outbreak of Dengue fever within the state, reporting a total of 86 confirmed cases across several local government areas. The announcement signals a heightened public health concern as authorities move swiftly to contain the spread of the mosquito-borne viral infection.

Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the State Commissioner for Health, disclosed the figures during a press conference, assuring residents that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration is fully committed to protecting public health and would continue to work relentlessly until the outbreaks are brought under control.

In response to the escalating situation, the Ministry of Health has appointed Dr. Stephenson Ojiefoh, the Director of Public Health, as the incident manager to lead the state’s response. Furthermore, the Emergency Operation Center has been activated, and a comprehensive statewide response plan is being rolled out. This plan includes intensified surveillance, proactive case management, robust vector control measures, and extensive environmental sanitation initiatives across all affected areas.

Commissioner Oshiomhole urged all healthcare workers throughout the state to remain on high alert and promptly report any suspected cases of Dengue fever. He explained that Dengue fever is caused by a virus transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. The disease, he noted, spreads rapidly, especially in environments characterized by poor sanitation and stagnant water, which serve as ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

To prevent further transmission, residents have been strongly advised to adhere to strict preventive measures: ensuring their surroundings are kept clean, properly covering water containers, consistently using mosquito nets, applying insect repellents, and diligently destroying mosquito breeding sites around their homes and communities.

Beyond Dengue fever, Dr. Oshiomhole also provided updates on other disease outbreaks in the state. He reported 137 confirmed cases of Lassa Fever with 24 fatalities, two confirmed Yellow Fever cases with one death, eight confirmed Monkeypox (mpox) cases with no deaths, and eight confirmed Diphtheria cases with three deaths.

Representatives from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the State Disease Surveillance Team, Ministry of Health Directors, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), and other key stakeholders were present at the briefing, underscoring the collaborative effort to tackle the multiple health challenges facing Edo State.