Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe has urged the residents of the state to take preventive measures on the resurgence of Dengue fever in the state.
According to Balarabe, the ministry received fever cases that were not responding to malaria treatment, it was later detected in the results that there is a presence of the Dengue virus in some cases.
She explained, “In recent times, the Ministry of Health in Sokoto received reports of fever cases in many parts of the state that were not responding to standard malaria treatment.
“The ministry collected samples from the affected cases, and the results indicated the presence of the Dengue virus in some cases,” she said.
In a recent public advisory statement signed by the State Commissioner for Health, issued to the media in Sokoto on Sunday, she said fortunately, no bleeding or fatalities have been reported from any case but she urged the residents to take preventive measures.
The commissioner said it was worth noting that similar incidents occurred in the state in 2016 and 2019.
“Therefore, it is crucial that we all take steps to prevent the spread of this disease.
*Fortunately, no bleeding or fatalities have been reported from any case,” she added.
She urged the public to take necessary measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and encouraged the use of insecticide-treated nets for sleeping.
Speaking on the preventive measures to be taken, she said Dengue fever was a preventable diseases, by taking simple precautions, the impact on the community can be significantly reduced, adding that the residents should encouraged the use of insecticide-treated nets for sleeping
“We should also maintain personal hygiene by wearing protective clothing and ensuring cleanliness.
“Furthermore, spreading awareness and educating our family, friends, and neighbors about preventive measures is essential in the fight against the disease,” she urged.
Balarabe further urged the public to seek medical attention and directed health workers to be vigilant in diagnosing Dengue fever and providing appropriate supportive measures.
Balarabe emphasised that Dengue fever was a viral illness transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, characterised by symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and general weakness.
