The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has officially confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State. Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, the Director-General of NCDC, disclosed this information in a statement yesterday in Abuja. According to Adetifa, there have been 71 suspected cases, with 13 confirmed cases and no reported deaths so far. The affected areas include Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamako (three cases), and Dange Shuni (one case).
The majority of the suspected cases fall within the age range of 21 to 40 years, and these cases were identified in November 2023. The NCDC, in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, conducted a rapid risk assessment to guide preparedness activities. Adetifa mentioned that the current risk level is moderate, and the country has adequate capacity to respond effectively to a large-scale outbreak.
Nigeria has experience in responding to viral haemorrhagic fever epidemics, including the Ebola outbreak in 2014 and subsequent cases of Lassa fever. The National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group coordinates preparedness efforts for Ebola and other viral haemorrhagic fevers.
Adetifa emphasized that the NCDC is optimizing existing Lassa fever testing laboratories and others within the national laboratory network for dengue virus (DENV) diagnosis to enhance preparedness for a potential large-scale outbreak.
In light of this situation, Adetifa urged Nigerians, particularly those in Sokoto, to strictly follow preventive measures. This includes wearing clothing that covers the body to prevent mosquito bites, using insecticide-treated mosquito nets while sleeping, applying insect repellent in sleeping areas, and ensuring proper sanitation to reduce mosquito breeding.
