The Sokoto State Government has announced an outbreak of Dengue Fever, confirming eight laboratory-verified cases across the Sokoto metropolis.
In a Sunday advisory to all public and private health facilities, the Ministry of Health highlighted “increasing reports of fever and severe malaria-like symptoms” in several communities and urged health workers to strengthen surveillance and intensify case-detection efforts.
Health Commissioner Faruk Abubakar stated that the government is implementing measures to curb the spread of the mosquito-borne virus, stressing that although many symptoms resemble malaria, Dengue requires a different approach to treatment.
According to the advisory, “All healthcare workers are hereby placed on high alert and requested to maintain a high index of suspicion for Dengue Fever in patients presenting with fever, headache, joint pains, body pains or rash—especially where malaria RDT is negative or symptoms persist despite treatment.”
The ministry instructed all facilities to promptly notify LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers of suspected cases and to ensure appropriate sample collection for confirmation.
Abubakar also warned clinicians not to administer NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin in suspected Dengue cases, advising the use of paracetamol instead due to the increased risk of bleeding complications.
The government further underscored the need for strict Infection Prevention and Control practices, proper waste disposal, and active community engagement to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Health workers were additionally urged to report unusual spikes in fever cases, clusters, or deaths to the Disease Surveillance Office or the State Epidemiology Unit immediately.
“We encourage all health workers to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with public health authorities to manage and report cases promptly,” the commissioner said, praising their ongoing commitment to protecting the health of residents.
Dengue Fever, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has been resurfacing in parts of Nigeria, prompting heightened surveillance from public health agencies.