The Sokoto State Government has confirmed a Dengue Fever outbreak with eight laboratory-verified cases in the Sokoto metropolis (Sokoto North and Sokoto South Local Government Areas). The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent advisory to all public and private health facilities to manage the situation and prevent further spread.
Key Directives for Healthcare Workers
| Area of Action | Specific Directive | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Heightened Vigilance | All healthcare workers are placed on high alert and requested to maintain a high index of suspicion for Dengue Fever. | The disease is re-emerging in Nigeria and requires careful monitoring. |
| Case Detection | Intensify case-detection efforts for patients presenting with “fever and severe malaria-like symptoms.” | Early symptoms of Dengue can be easily mistaken for malaria, delaying proper care. |
| Diagnostic Suspicion | Maintain high suspicion in patients with fever, headache, joint/body pains, or rash, especially if the malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) is negative or symptoms persist despite malaria treatment. | Confirms the need to differentiate Dengue from persistent malaria cases. |
| Case Reporting | Immediately notify the LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers of suspected cases. Report any unusual fever spikes, clusters, or deaths without delay to the State Epidemiology Unit. | Ensures prompt public health response, isolation, and contact tracing. |
| Sample Collection | Ensure proper sample collection for laboratory confirmation of suspected cases. | Vital for epidemiological tracking and confirming the outbreak severity. |
| Medication Caution | Clinicians are cautioned against the use of common NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin in suspected Dengue cases. | NSAIDs can increase the risk of serious bleeding complications associated with Dengue. |
| Recommended Treatment | Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is recommended for fever management. | Safe alternative for fever and pain relief that does not increase bleeding risk. |
Public Health Measures Emphasized
The State Government also stressed the importance of community and facility-level preventive actions:
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC): Strict measures must be maintained in all health facilities.
- Vector Control: Emphasis on safe waste disposal and community engagement to eliminate mosquito breeding sites (stagnant water).
- Cooperation: All health workers are urged to cooperate fully with public health authorities for prompt management and reporting.