Dengue Virus in Nigeria: Current Status and Future Perspective
Dengue Virus in Nigeria: Current Status and Future Perspective
James Ayukepi Ayukekbong1,2
E-mail | [email protected]
ABSTRACT
Dengue is regarded globally as the most important mosquito-borne viral disease but there are currently no licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics. The virus and its vector are widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics regions of the world. Dengue and malaria are endemic in Nigeria. Two independent studies among febrile patients revealed dengue IgG seroprevalence of 73% and malaria prevalence of 80% in some areas of the country. The diagnosis of the disease is further complicated by the fact that, dengue fever mimics malaria fever and the prevalence of dengue-malaria co-infection is high. Differential diagnosis of fever is therefore necessary to initiate the appropriate clinical care. Despite the endemicity of dengue in Nigeria, the disease is not a reportable disease and routine diagnosis is neglected. Here I undertake an exhaustive assembly of known records of dengue prevalence in Nigeria and provide a focus for public health intervention.
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