Sokoto State Government has confirmed eight cases of Dengue Fever, prompting health authorities to issue a high alert.
The cases were recorded in Sokoto North and Sokoto South Local Government Areas.
In response, the Ministry of Health has advised public and private health facilities to intensify surveillance and quickly flag any suspicious cases.
Health Commissioner Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar warned of increasing reports of fever with symptoms resembling severe malaria.
The Ministry has directed clinicians to screen patients with fever, headache, body pains, joint pains, or rash for Dengue Fever, especially when malaria tests return negative or symptoms persist.
Health facilities have been instructed to promptly notify their Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) and ensure fast-tracked sample collection for confirmation.
Dr. Abubakar cautioned health workers against administering common NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin, which can trigger bleeding in Dengue cases. Instead, paracetamol is recommended for fever and pain relief.
To contain the outbreak, health facilities have been directed to enforce strict infection control, improve waste disposal, and collaborate with communities to clear mosquito breeding sites.
The Commissioner urged health workers to report any spike in fever cases, clusters, or unexplained deaths without delay.
Dengue Fever, spread by the Aedes mosquito, has been re-emerging in several parts of Nigeria, prompting health authorities to remain vigilant.
