Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Edo State Government has confirmed that 28 people have died from recent outbreaks of Lassa fever, diphtheria, and yellow fever across the state.
Briefing journalists in Benin City, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, said, “We have recorded 137 confirmed cases of Lassa fever with 24 deaths, two confirmed cases of yellow fever with one death, and eight confirmed cases of diphtheria which led to three fatalities.”
No Deaths from Dengue, Monkeypox Cases Stable
On the rising concern about Dengue fever, Dr Oshiomhole noted that 86 cases had so far been confirmed in several local government areas, but no deaths had occurred. He explained, “Dengue fever is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, which thrive in stagnant water and unsanitary conditions.”
He added that monkeypox (Mpox) cases remain stable with eight confirmed infections and no deaths recorded.
To curb further spread, the commissioner announced that the state has activated a rapid response team led by the Director of Public Health, Dr Stephenson Ojiefoh, and an Emergency Operations Centre to coordinate interventions.
“We urge residents to keep their environment clean, cover water containers, use mosquito nets and repellents, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” Dr Oshiomhole appealed, adding that the government’s response plan includes surveillance, treatment, vector control and community sanitation.
