The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed the outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State.
In a statement posted on its website at the weekend, NCDC Director General Ifedayo Adetifa said the virus had been reported in three local government areas of Sokoto South (60 cases), Wamakko (three cases), and Dange Shuni (one case).
He said: “Concurrently at the national level, measures have been taken by the NEVHD-TWG following input from arbovirus institute and review of entomological surveillance data to inform action and strengthen preparedness for a large-scale DENV outbreak in Nigeria.
“These include: The NCDC Incident Coordination Centre (ICC) has been activated in alert mode.
“Development of an emergency incident action plan for DENV has commenced. The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has sent out warning notifications to all Subnational Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (PHEOCs).”
To underscore the seriousness of the issue, according to Adetifa, a follow-up of suspected cases had begun.
Adetifa said: ”Trained Rapid Response Teams are on standby to be deployed in the event of a nationwide outbreak.
“A medical countermeasures plan is being developed. A risk communication and engagement strategy has been developed to strengthen preparedness activities, which include a review of risk communication protocols, plans, and messages in the event of a wider outbreak.
“Proposed research project with the National Arbovirus and Vectors Research Centre across the six geopolitical zones to better understand the disease vector.”
Also, Nigeria may have recorded more incidents of Lassa fever this year compared to previous years, the NCDC has said.
In a Lassa fever advisory posted on its website, the NCDC said: “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of December 3, 2023, there have been 8,542 suspected cases, 1,170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1 per cent) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases.”
But the agency highlighted that its enhanced detection and response strategies had contributed to its comprehensive approach and response to the disease nationwide.
NCDC added: “Every year, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC’s) National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG), leads on efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of Lassa fever across the country.
“We have continued to record a steady increase in states reporting Lassa fever for reasons not limited to improved surveillance, better community awareness, environmental degradation from climate change and other deleterious human activities in the environment.
“In 2021, 510 confirmed cases were reported across 17 states and 68 LGAs.
“Whereas in 2022, Nigeria reported 1,067 confirmed cases across 27 states and 112 LGAs.
“In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever, and as of December 3, 2023, there have been 8,542 suspected cases, 1,170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1 per cent) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases.
“Annual outbreaks of Lassa fever also involve the infection and death of healthcare workers.
“This loss of life is not just a statistic but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often seasoned healthcare worker and team member.
“This exacerbates the challenge of insufficient human resources for health in the country.”
