In a statement on its website, the NCDC revealed that the outbreak had been detected in November 2023. The NCDC Director General, Ifedayo Adetifa, signed the statement, stating that, so far 71 suspected cases, 13 confirmed cases, and zero deaths had been reported in the state from three Local Government Areas - Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamako (three cases), and Dange Shuni (one case).
The majority of the suspected cases reported fall between the age range of 21-40 years.
Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus and transmitted through the infected mosquito's bite, is a viral infection. Human-to-human transmission of the virus has not been established. The virus is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates, primarily in urban and semi-urban areas worldwide.
Most people with dengue have mild or no symptoms and will recover in one to two weeks. Severe cases of dengue are rare but can 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 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.
It said the current risk level of the dengue outbreak is moderate based on a dynamic risk assessment.
“There is currently adequate in-country capacity (including technical, health workforce, and diagnostic) to respond effectively in the event of a large-scale outbreak. Nigeria has also responded to viral haemorrhagic fever epidemics like the Ebola Outbreak in 2014 and subsequently Lassa fever.
“This has built our preparedness and response capabilities for viral haemorrhagic fevers like the dengue virus over the years.
