13 cases confirmed as NCDC announces outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has announced 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.

People who are infected with dengue experience mild or no symptoms but the signs usually manifest between 4-10 days after infection.

Some of the symptoms include high fever, rash and muscle and joint pain. In severe cases, there is serious bleeding and shock, which can be life-threatening.

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.

The NCDC said Sokoto is the only state where the disease has been reported, adding that no severe cases or deaths have been recorded.

The agency said no health worker has shown symptoms of the infection, adding that necessary measures have been put in place to curtail the outbreak.