Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever Outbreak Confirmed in Sokoto: Here’s What You Need to Know

 

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has officially confirmed the outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State. The outbreak was detected in November 2023.

🩺 Outbreak Details:
– Suspected cases: 71
– Confirmed cases: 13
– Reported deaths: 0
– Affected local government areas: Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamako (3 cases), and Dange Shuni (1 case)
– Age group mostly affected: 21-40 years

What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Human-to-human transmission hasn’t been established, and the virus is primarily found in tropical and sub-tropical climates, especially in urban and semi-urban areas worldwide.

Symptoms and Risks:
– Mild symptoms: Most people have mild or no symptoms and recover within 1-2 weeks.
– Severe symptoms: In rare cases, dengue fever can be severe and even fatal. Symptoms include high fever (40°C/104°F), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash.
– Risk factors: Individuals who have been previously infected with dengue are at a higher risk of severe dengue if infected again.

National Preparedness:
The NCDC, along with the National Emerging Viral Haemorrhagic Diseases Technical Working Group and relevant stakeholders, has conducted a rapid risk assessment to guide preparedness activities. Nigeria has experience in responding to viral haemorrhagic fevers like Ebola and Lassa fever, which has strengthened the country’s preparedness and response capabilities.

 Diagnostic Capacity:
Diagnostic capacity for dengue virus exists at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory in Abuja and the Usman Dan Fodio University Sokoto Teaching Hospital Laboratory Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology. Efforts are being made to optimize existing laboratories for dengue virus testing within the NCDC national laboratory network.

Effective Response System:
An effective response system is in place, with control capacities available to limit the risk of the outbreak spreading to other states.

Stay informed, follow preventive measures, and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms.

Praise Ben

A designer and write for HseNations

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