Eight confirmed cases of Dengue fever had been reported in Sokoto North and Sokoto South Local Government Areas.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Farouk Abubakar confirmed this through a public health advisory released by the State Ministry of Health.
The ministry said health officials have documented an increasing number of patients presenting the fever and symptoms resembling severe malaria across several communities.
Dr. Abubakar called on healthcare providers to heighten vigilance, step up surveillance, and strengthen case-management procedures.
Clinicians were urged to consider Dengue fever in patients exhibiting fever, headaches, rashes, joint pains, and body aches—especially when malaria tests are negative or symptoms persist despite treatment.
Health workers were instructed to forward all suspected cases to Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers at the LGA level and ensure samples are delivered to the State Epidemiology Unit for laboratory testing.
The ministry also advised against administering NSAIDs like ibuprofen and aspirin to suspected Dengue patients, recommending paracetamol instead. Health facilities have been directed to reinforce infection-control practices, improve waste disposal, and engage communities on environmental sanitation to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Authorities further urged immediate reporting of any unusual fever clusters or unexplained deaths.
