The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has declared the outbreak of dengue fever in three LGAs of Sokoto state.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas and spreads through animal bites or insect stings.
Symptoms can range from mild to nonexistent, but they often appear 4–10 days after infection.
A few signs and symptoms are rash, high fever, and soreness in the muscles and joints. Severe bleeding and potentially fatal shock occur in extreme situations.
In a situation report released by the agency on Sunday, the NCDC said dengue fever was discovered in the state in November.
The agency said the state currently has 13 confirmed cases and 71 suspected cases of the viral infection.
“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is aware of the outbreak of dengue fever reported in Sokoto State in November 2023. So far, 71 suspected cases, 13 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been reported in the state,” the statement reads.
“Currently, the virus has been reported in three (3) local government areas (LGAs): Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamako (3 cases) and Dange Shuni (1 case). The majority of the suspected cases reported fall between the age range of 21- 40 years.
“The NCDC-led multisectoral National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group (NEVHD-TWG) collaborating with partners and relevant stakeholders, has conducted a rapid risk assessment to guide in-country preparedness activities.
“The NEVHD TWG coordinates preparedness efforts for Ebola virus disease and other emerging viral haemorrhagic fever diseases.”
The agency said the risk assessment conducted on the outbreak shows the danger level of the disease is now moderated.
According to the NCDC, which also noted that no severe cases or fatalities had been reported, the disease has only been reported in Sokoto.
The agency said that all required steps have been taken to contain the epidemic and that no healthcare worker has displayed symptoms of the infection.
Every necessary measure has been done to contain the outbreak, and no healthcare provider has shown signs of infection, according to the agency.
