Benin Metropolis, – A deadly fever gripped Uselu’s markets in June 2025, revealing dengue fever’s threat. By July 10, 192 suspected instances, 93 confirmed, and one tragic dying among the many suspected instances spurred a swift response from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Wait on watch over (NCDC), and the Edo Articulate Ministry of Effectively being, supported by the World Effectively being Organization (WHO)
A Nonetheless Menace Emerges
In mid-June, Irrua Specialist Teaching Effectively being facility (ISTH) in Uselu, Egor Local Govt Condominium, confirmed six PCR-certain dengue instances, followed by a seventh. By July, 52 suspected instances emerged, largely among young adults feeble 20–29, with females comprising 60% of instances. One lifestyles used to be misplaced. Dengue fever, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, causes high fever, severe headaches, intense muscle and joint pain, and pain behind the eyes. In severe instances, it can perchance consequence in internal bleeding and dying. Globally, dengue instances have surged thirtyfold over 50 years, threatening nearly about 4 billion individuals at some point of 100 international locations. In Edo, misdiagnosis as malaria, resulting from similar symptoms, delayed care, allowing the virus to spread unchecked and amplifying the outbreak’s toll.
A female health employee in Benin Metropolis shared her ordeal: “I came down with a chronic fever in early June that lasted eight days, no topic antipyretics. The throbbing headache, intense joint pain, and tantalizing pain behind my eyes had been unbearable. I went to my sanatorium, the place the personnel quickly examined for just a few diseases. The dengue take a look at came support certain. I am grateful for his or her swift action, which ended in my healing.”
As dengue spread, Uselu’s ambiance fuelled the disaster.
Uselu’s Environmental Challenges
Uselu, a bustling trading hub in Benin Metropolis, was an epicentre for dengue transmission. Clogged gutters, beginning containers, and bad waste management created a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes. Heavy rainfall intensified the circumstances, exacerbating the final public health threat.
Coordinated Emergency Response
NCDC, WHO, ISTH, the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria (IHVN), and the University of Benin Teaching Effectively being facility (UBTH) launched a rapid response: field investigations, verbal autopsies, streamlined testing, infection retain watch over, radio campaigns, and clinician training. When rumours of deaths reached Aigbe Alero, Egor LGA’s Disease Surveillance Officer, they acted like a flash, alerting WHO and the Articulate Ministry of Effectively being. “Their quick give a enhance to used to be major,” Alero acknowledged, as joint investigations with the market chairman and health amenities confirmed dengue instances.
“The response from NCDC, WHO, and our companions has been a lifeline,” acknowledged Dr Stephenson B. Ojeifo, Director of Public Effectively being, Edo Articulate Ministry of Effectively being. “We’re building trust and ensuring timely care.”
Dr. Nora Eyo, WHO’s Articulate Coordinator for Edo, added, “Activating the Emergency Operations Centre for dengue is sharpening detection and saving lives.”
This united effort steadied Uselu’s shaken community.
Voices from the Market: Reports of Influence
Uselu Market’s vibrancy used in June as sickness struck. Trader Terry Osunobu saw colleagues gain ailing, some by no system returning. In response, the Edo Articulate Govt, in collaboration with WHO and native health authorities, impulsively mobilised sources and personnel to investigate the outbreak.
Their efforts confirmed dengue fever because the trigger.
Terry’s daughter, who used to be hospitalised for per week, made a chubby recovery thanks to the coordinated health response. “I am deeply grateful to the Edo Articulate Govt, my native government officers and WHO,” he shared. “Their suggested action gave us answers, and with answers comes healing.”
By July 10, Uselu’s families confronted a grim toll: 192 fell ailing, 93 had confirmed dengue, and one lifestyles used to be misplaced among the many suspected instances. Egor LGA saw forty five instances, largely young females feeble 20–29, with 41 tests pending and a 17% positivity rate.
By July 10, the breakdown of instances by native government areas painted a clearer image:
Desk 1: Dengue Fever Suspected and Confirmed Instances by LGAs
The perfect confirmed instances came from Egor (27), UBTH (23), and Oredo (20), reinforcing the urgency in these hotspots.
Lessons to Assign Lives
Early diagnosis and supportive care are major for dengue, which lacks a say antiviral treatment. WHO’s hearsay surveillance and community engagement acknowledged instances and dispelled myths. Chronic fevers need broader testing to lead distinct of misdiagnosis. Verbal autopsies clarified the outbreak’s scope.
Key Takeaways from Edo’s Dengue Response
• 60% of instances had been among females feeble 20–29
• One fatality recorded among suspected instances
• Egor, Oredo, and UBTH saw the very best confirmed instances
• Rapid, coordinated response by NCDC, WHO, and native authorities saved lives
• Environmental circumstances in Uselu exacerbated mosquito breeding
