Sokoto State, located in northern Nigeria, is facing an outbreak of dengue fever, confirmed by the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). Residents of the state capital, Sokoto Metropolis, are living in sadness and fear over the spread of the dreaded disease.
The outbreak of dengue fever was first reported in October in Sokoto State, but the NCDC alerted the state in November 2023 of the detection of the disease with 71 suspected cases and 13 confirmed cases. , without any deaths.
According to the NCDC, the outbreak was reported in some areas of the state including Sokoto South local government with 60 cases, Wamako local government with 3 cases and Dange Shuni local government with 1 recorded case.
The majority of suspected cases, according to the NCDC, are in the age group of 21 to 40 years.
The NCDC Emerging Viral and Hemorrhagic Diseases Multi-Sectoral Technical Working Group (NEVHD-TWG), in collaboration with partners and stakeholders, conducted a rapid risk assessment to guide preparedness activities in the country.
Reacting to a statement by the NCDC on the alleged outbreak of dengue fever in the state, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, the state health commissioner, said the Disease Surveillance Agency was only updating update its old records on disease surveillance in certain parts of the country.
The commissioner further said that there was never any such case in Sokoto State as of November this year and even now as reported by the NCDC.
“When the disease outbreak was first reported in the state, experts from the state Department of Health quickly intervened to curb its spread.”
“We convened the press, where we informed the world of the state’s efforts to control the spread of this dreaded disease at this crucial time.”
“We have also, at the same time, provided expert and professional advice to citizens on the need to go to hospital in case of unusual symptoms and to correctly use the treated mosquito nets provided by the state in homes .”
“Sokoto State is safe and free from the so-called dreaded fever, Dengue, recently reported by the NCDC.”
“I urge our many citizens of the state to continue their normal activities as the NCDC alert was found to be an old and updated record by the disease surveillance and control agency.”
“We are known for our proactivity when it comes to outbreaks of any kind, not even this dreaded fever, which has already been brought under control by our medical experts,” says Balarabe.
In this article, we will discuss the controversy surrounding the outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State, highlighting the different opinions of the parties involved and examining the measures taken by health authorities to control the spread of the disease. Additionally, we will look at the symptoms of dengue fever, prevention methods and actions people take to protect themselves. Finally, we will discuss lessons we can learn from this situation to improve outbreak preparedness and response in the future. With links to previous blog posts that also address dengue and vector-borne disease prevention. Stay tuned for a full update on the situation and the measures taken by the authorities to protect the population.