The Sokoto State Government has issued a public health alert after confirming eight laboratory-proven cases of Dengue Fever within the state capital. The infections were detected in parts of Sokoto North and Sokoto South local government areas, prompting health authorities to activate heightened surveillance across all facilities.
In an advisory circulated on Sunday to public and private hospitals, the Ministry of Health reported a growing number of patients presenting with fever and malaria-like symptoms that do not respond to standard treatment. Health workers were urged to step up case detection as the state moves to prevent wider community transmission.
Commissioner for Health, Faruk Abubakar, said the government is taking early steps to contain the mosquito-borne virus, warning that its symptoms often mimic malaria even though the clinical approach is different.
“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 advisory stated.
Health facilities have been instructed to immediately report suspected cases to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, collect appropriate samples, and forward them for laboratory confirmation.
Abubakar also cautioned against the use of common NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin, stressing that they increase the risk of bleeding in Dengue patients. Paracetamol was recommended instead for managing fever and body pains.
The commissioner asked hospitals to reinforce infection-prevention practices, ensure safe waste handling and engage communities on clearing stagnant water, which is known to attract Aedes mosquitoes — the primary carriers of Dengue Fever.
Health workers were further advised to report any unusual spikes in fever cases, clusters of illness or unexplained deaths to the State Epidemiology Unit without delay. “We encourage all health workers to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with public health authorities to manage and report cases promptly,” Abubakar added.
