NCDC Raises Alarm as Dengue Fever Spreads to Sokoto, Zamfara, Confirms Chikungunya in Sokoto

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed outbreaks of dengue fever in Sokoto and Zamfara states, alongside chikungunya infections in Sokoto, as the country prepares for the seasonal resurgence of several infectious diseases.

The agency further revealed that Nigeria’s index Ebola patient remains hospitalised in Switzerland, despite indications of a declining viral load, while 62 contacts are still being monitored.

The latest development has heightened concerns over public health preparedness as Nigeria enters the dry season, which is associated with increased cases of cerebrospinal meningitis and seasonal transmission of Lassa fever.

NCDC Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, made the disclosure in a national health security update issued yesterday to mark 21 days since Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus on October 20, 2026.

Idris said no additional Ebola infection had been recorded since the initial case was identified, but cautioned Nigerians against overlooking other infectious diseases, particularly mosquito-borne illnesses.

He warned that not every fever should be assumed to be malaria, stressing the importance of proper medical evaluation and early diagnosis.

To strengthen the response, the agency has deployed National Rapid Response Teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu, to assist affected states.

The teams are supporting disease surveillance, case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical preparedness, community awareness and mosquito control activities.

According to the NCDC chief, the intervention is also aimed at addressing weaknesses identified during field and investigations and improving coordination with state health authorities.

He explained that dengue and chikungunya share several clinical symptoms, including fever, headaches, body aches and joint pains, making accurate diagnosis particularly important.

While chikungunya is characterised by fever and severe joint pain, dengue can cause high fever, intense headaches, muscle and joint pains, nausea and skin rashes. In severe cases, dengue may lead to life-threatening complications.

Idris advised Nigerians experiencing persistent fever, especially when accompanied by rashes, vomiting or severe joint pains, to seek prompt medical attention rather than resorting to self-medication.

Providing further details on the Ebola situation, NCDC Director of Public Health, Dr Odianosan Ehiakhamen, said the index patient’s viral load appeared to be decreasing, as indicated by rising cycle threshold (Ct) values, although the patient continued to test positive.

Ehiakhamen disclosed this during a Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) webinar titled Safeguarding Nigeria Together: The NIMR Ebola Webinar.

He said the patient’s spouse had tested negative and was being accommodated separately, while six contacts had completed quarantine and been discharged.

However, 62 other contacts remained under surveillance as health authorities continued efforts to prevent further transmission.

He added that December 7 had been set as the target date for a possible declaration of the end of the outbreak, subject to the absence of new cases and fulfilment of all required monitoring conditions.

The NCDC official also admitted that the infection was not detected early, as the patient had initially received treatment for malaria and other febrile illnesses.

He identified improved early detection, healthcare workers’ awareness, adequate isolation facilities and stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities as essential lessons from the incident.

Meanwhile, Prof. Lolade Wright, a Professor of Community Medicine at the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), warned that inadequate funding for infection prevention and control could expose the country to further disease outbreaks.

Wright urged federal and state governments to establish dedicated budget lines for infection prevention and control (IPC), arguing that the country should move away from depending largely on emergency funding after outbreaks have already occurred.