It, therefore, urged Nigerians, especially people living in Sokoto, to take preventive measures against the virus.

The NCDC had on Saturday confirmed the outbreak of dengue fever in Sokoto State.

“Available data shows that prevention and control of dengue virus infection depend on vector control. There is no specific treatment for dengue, however, early detection and prompt initiation of supportive treatment have been shown to significantly reduce death,” the NCDC said on its website.

Dengue fever is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus and transmitted to humans through the infected mosquito’s bite. Human-to-human transmission of the virus has not been established.

The public health institute said most people with dengue fever have mild or no symptoms and will get better in one to two weeks.

“Rarely, dengue can be severe and lead to death. If symptoms occur, they usually begin four to 10 days after infection and last for two to seven days. Symptoms may include high fever (40°C/104°F), severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and rash. Individuals who are infected for the second time are at greater risk of severe dengue fever,” it added.

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III issued the alert Monday after pointing to several regions that are experiencing the 85 percent uptick in the disease when compared to last year’s figures.

“From January 1 to June 29 this year, most cases are from Western Visayas (13,164), Calabarzon (11,474), Central Visayas (9,199), Soccsksargen (9,107), and Northern Mindanao (8,739),” the health ministry said in a statement.

“Dengue cases nationwide now reach a cumulative figure of 106,630. This is 85 percent higher compared to the same period last year.”

The surprising increase in cases usually comes every 3-4 years with the last known increase having been in 2016, Duque said, making this year’s figures as expected.

A researcher at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine may have found a way to stop the spread of Dengue by transmitting a vaccine from human to mosquito

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dengue is common to more than 100 countries and, on average, about 400 million people will get infected with the disease each year. Of that number, 100 million will get sick and 22,000 will die from the infection.

The virus is usually spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, rashes, and aches and pains. There is no known cure or medication for the disease.

Health officials warned the public to implement the “4S strategy” which encourages them to “search and destroy mosquito breeding places.” It also advises them to wear long sleeves and wear insect repellent and, if any symptoms show, they should consult a doctor immediately.