MUST Read This IMMEDIATELY, Nigeria Government Has Confirmed Another Deadly Virus
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has officially announced the outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State. The virus, transmitted through infected mosquito bites, was detected in November 2023, with 71 suspected cases reported so far. Among them, 13 cases have been confirmed, yet no fatalities have been recorded across three Local Government Areas- Sokoto South, Wamako, and Dange Shuni.
Primarily affecting individuals between 21 and 40 years old, dengue fever manifests with symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, joint pains, nausea, and rashes. While most cases are mild and resolve within two weeks, severe instances can lead to death, especially in those experiencing a second infection.
In response to the outbreak, the NCDC- led National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group has conducted a rapid risk assessment. The current risk level is deemed moderate, and the NCDC assures the presence of adequate in- country capacity for an effective response. Drawing from experience with previous outbreaks like Ebola in 2014 and Lassa fever, Nigeria has established diagnostics capacity at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory in Abuja and the Sokoto Teaching Hospital Laboratory Centre.
The statement emphasizes the ongoing efforts to optimize existing Lassa fever testing laboratories for dengue virus diagnosis, enhancing overall preparedness. Despite the moderate risk, the NCDC affirms an effective response system and control capacities are in place, minimizing the risk of the outbreak spreading to other states.
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