EDO FACES PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS AS DENGUE AND LASSA FEVER CASES SPIKE

Health authorities in Edo State are racing against time to contain a growing public health emergency, as both dengue fever and Lassa fever continue to spread across several local government areas.As of July 9, 2025, the state’s Ministry of Health confirmed 86 active cases of dengue fever, alongside a rising number of Lassa fever diagnoses. Health Commissioner, Dr. Samuel Alli, disclosed that cases were concentrated in Oredo, Egor, and Esan West LGAs, with some patients currently receiving treatment at the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City.The Ministry has rolled out an emergency response plan that includes aerial and ground-level mosquito fumigation, mass sanitation drives, and public sensitization campaigns. Local clinics have been advised to isolate suspected cases early and enforce strict hygiene protocols.“The dual outbreak is a serious concern, and we urge all citizens to cooperate by avoiding open refuse dumps, storing food properly, and reporting symptoms immediately,” Dr. Alli stated.The state government has also requested additional support from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to boost laboratory capacity and field testing in rural areas. While no deaths have been officially recorded from dengue so far, medical experts warn that the rainy season could lead to a wider spread if urgent measures aren’t intensified.