The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has raised the alarm over a dengue fever outbreak in Sokoto, with one fatality reported.
The NCDC said there were 29 suspected cases in November 2025, with six laboratory-confirmed and one fatality. This pushes the monthly case fatality rate (CFR) to a concerning 16.67%.
In its latest Situation Report released on Thursday, the NCDC highlighted the growing threat of dengue fever in Nigeria, driven by climate change, urbanization, and inadequate mosquito control. Nationally, from January to November 2025, the country recorded 735 suspected dengue cases, 219 confirmed infections, and two deaths, resulting in a national CFR of 0.91% across five states and 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Sokoto Emerges as Dengue Hotspot Amid National Surge
Sokoto State has become a focal point in Nigeria’s dengue fever outbreak, with 96 suspected cases year-to-date, accounting for a significant portion of national totals. Alongside Edo State (537 cases), these two states represent 86.4% of all suspected dengue cases from January to November 2025.
In Sokoto specifically:
- Three LGAs affected: Sokoto South (highest cases), Sokoto North, and Wurno.
- November surge: 29 suspected, 6 confirmed, 1 death.
NCDC Director General, Dr. Jide Idris, emphasized the public health risks:
“The November figures are significant because they show ongoing transmission in Sokoto State and highlight the risk of severe outcomes, including death, when cases are not detected early,” the NCDC report stated.
The agency further noted:
“The concentration of cases in a few states suggests the need for targeted surveillance, improved laboratory confirmation, and aggressive vector control in high-burden areas.”
Most Affected: 31-50 Age Group Faces Highest Risk
The 31–50-year age group bore the brunt, comprising 43.84% of confirmed cases. Experts warn this could have broader economic impacts due to lost productivity in Nigeria’s working-age population.
While the national fatality rate remains low, the NCDC cautioned against underestimating the virus:
“Dengue fever can progress rapidly to severe disease if not properly managed. Early healthcare-seeking behaviour and prompt diagnosis remain critical to reducing deaths,” the agency warned.
NCDC Urges Immediate Action to Curb Dengue Spread
To combat the dengue fever outbreak in Nigeria, the NCDC issued urgent recommendations:
- Strengthen environmental sanitation and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
- Enhance early reporting of feverish illnesses.
- Boost surveillance and lab testing in high-risk areas like Sokoto and Edo.
“Protecting the health of Nigerians requires sustained vigilance. Dengue fever is preventable, and with timely detection and response, deaths can be avoided,” the Centre stressed.
The NCDC is collaborating with state health authorities to improve outbreak preparedness heading into 2026. Nigerians are advised to stay vigilant, especially in Sokoto dengue hotspots.
