The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reported 13 instances of Dengue fever in Sokoto State, sparking concerns about the insufficient awareness among Nigerians regarding this mosquito-borne ailment.
As per the NCDC’s official website, 64 suspected cases were documented in Sokoto from three Local Government Areas. Dengue virus (DENV) is a prominent mosquito-borne virus with a broad geographical presence, posing a significant public health challenge. The first occurrences of DENV serotype 1 (DENV-1) and serotype 2 (DENV-2) in Africa were reported in 1964 in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Originally confined to Africa and Southeast Asia, the virus, originating from monkeys and transferring to humans, expanded its reach in the mid-20th century. Nigeria, being the most populous country in Africa, harbors the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a known carrier of dengue, Zika, chikungunya (CHIKV), and West Nile viruses.
The Nigerian Public Health Institute indicated that the outbreak was identified in November 2023, with no reported fatalities in Sokoto State. The majority of the suspected cases affected individuals in the age range of 21 to 40 years, according to the agency.
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus and transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus is prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical climates, primarily in urban and semi-urban areas across the globe. Most individuals with dengue experience mild or no symptoms and typically recover within one to two weeks. Human-to-human transmission of the virus has not been established.