The confirmation of dengue fever in Sokoto and Zamfara states, alongside chikungunya in Sokoto, has raised concerns about how fever cases are assessed and treated in Nigeria, with health authorities warning against the assumption that every fever is malaria.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed the infections in a national health security update issued by its Director-General, Dr Jide Idris, on Tuesday, November 10.
According to the agency, dengue fever has been confirmed in both states, while chikungunya has been confirmed in Sokoto. In response, National Rapid Response Teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu, have been deployed to support affected states.
The teams are expected to assist with case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical readiness, community engagement and mosquito control.
The warning is particularly important because dengue and chikungunya can present with symptoms that resemble those of other febrile illnesses, including malaria. Common symptoms include fever, headache, body pains, and joint pains, making it difficult to distinguish these infections through symptoms alone.
However, the conditions are caused by different viruses and require appropriate clinical assessment. Dengue can also progress to severe illness, particularly when warning signs are overlooked.
The NCDC has advised people experiencing persistent fever, especially when accompanied by a rash, vomiting or severe joint pain, to seek medical assessment. Severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding or difficulty breathing should prompt urgent medical attention.
The agency is also urging households to strengthen mosquito prevention measures by removing stagnant water, covering water storage containers, clearing discarded tyres and protecting themselves against mosquito bites. These measures are important because the mosquitoes responsible for transmitting dengue and chikungunya can bite during the daytime.
For Nigerians, the development is a reminder that treating fever without establishing its possible cause can delay appropriate care. Although malaria remains an important public health concern, it is not the only infection that can cause fever.
Prompt medical assessment, appropriate testing, and early reporting of suspected cases remain essential to identifying infections and supporting an effective public health response.
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