The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday, confirmed the outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State.
The agency revealed this in a statement on its official website.
According to the statement, the outbreak was detected in November 2023.
The statement signed by the NCDC Director General, Ifedayo Adetifa, disclosed that so far, 71 suspected cases, 13 confirmed cases, and zero deaths have been reported in the state from three Local Government Areas -Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamako (three cases) and Dange Shuni (one case).
It said the majority of the suspected cases reported fall between the age range of 21- 40 years.
Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus and transmitted to humans through the infected mosquito’s bite. Human-to-human transmission of the virus has not been established. The virus is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas worldwide.
Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will get better in one to two weeks. Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death. If symptoms occur, they usually begin four to 10 days after infection and last for two to seven days.
The symptoms of the fever may include high fever (40°C/104°F), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. Individuals who are infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue.
“The NCDC-led multisectoral National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group 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 statement read in part.
