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World J Virol. Sep 25, 2024; 13(3): 95555
Published online Sep 25, 2024. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i3.95555
Dengue outbreaks in northern Nigeria: Evaluating the recommended Takeda vaccine and future prevention strategies
Ismail Rabiu, Hafsat Abubakar Musa, Zephaniah Isaiah, Mujahid Hussaini, Muhammad Muhsin Umar, Suleiman Mustapha, Jaafaru Isah Abdullahi, Aminu Shehu, Mariya Abdullahi Sani
Ismail Rabiu, College of Life Science, Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
Hafsat Abubakar Musa, Zephaniah Isaiah, Muhammad Muhsin Umar, Aminu Shehu, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Science, Bayero University Kano, Kano 700006, Kano State, Nigeria
Mujahid Hussaini, Department of Microbiology, Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina 820102, Katsina State, Nigeria
Suleiman Mustapha, Jaafaru Isah Abdullahi, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kaduna State University, Tafawa Balewa Way 800283, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Aminu Shehu, National Reference Laboratory, Nigeria Center for Disease Control, Gaduwa 900231, Abuja, Nigeria
Mariya Abdullahi Sani, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Federal University, Dutse 720223, Jigawa State, Nigeria
Mariya Abdullahi Sani, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (Jigawa State Office), World Health Organization, Dutse 720223, Jigawa State, Nigeria
Author contributions: Rabiu I wrote the outline, the draft, and the paper, edited and made critical revisions to the manuscript, and completed the English and scientific editing; Musa HA assist in writing the outline and in the writing and revisions of the manuscript; Isaiah Z, Hussaini M, and Umar MM assisted in writing the draft and in editing and making critical revisions of the manuscript; Mustapha S and Abdullahi JI assisted in the conception and design of the study and in the writing of the paper, and completed the English and scientific editing; Shehu A and Sani MA conducted conceptualization and assisted in writing the outline and in the writing and revisions of the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Ismail Rabiu, BSc, MHSc, MSc, Academic Research, Lecturer, Medical Assistant, Research Assistant, Research Associate, Research Scientist, Researcher, Senior Researcher, Senior Scientist, College of Life Science, Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan. rtismail24@gmail.com
Received: April 12, 2024
Revised: June 5, 2024
Accepted: July 1, 2024
Published online: September 25, 2024
Processing time: 138 Days and 21.1 Hours
Abstract

Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), poses a significant public health challenge globally, with Nigeria experiencing sporadic outbreaks. A clear understanding of the dengue burden has not been achieved in Nigeria, just as in other African countries. Understanding the epidemiology and burden of dengue fever is essential for effective prevention and control strategies. This paper examines the recent dengue outbreaks in northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto state, and evaluates the recommended Takeda dengue vaccine (TDV) along with future prevention strategies. Despite limited surveillance and underreporting, dengue fever is endemic in Nigeria (with over 5 million cases and 5000 dengue-related deaths in 2023), with recent outbreaks indicating a growing concern. The TDV, a live attenuated tetravalent vaccine, has shown promise in preventing dengue fever, but challenges such as vaccine acceptance and accessibility need to be addressed. Global urbanization contributes to the disease's spread, which is influenced by factors such as population density, cultural beliefs, water storage practices, hygiene, and water supply accessibility. Future prevention strategies must focus on government intervention, community practices, and innovative vector control measures to mitigate the spread of DENV in Nigeria. This study will serve as a valuable reference for policymakers, researchers, and clinicians in the management and control of DENV in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Keywords: Dengue outbreaks; Northern Nigeria; Takeda dengue vaccine; Vaccine acceptance; Epidemiology

Core Tip: Dengue fever, a persistent public health concern globally, remains endemic in Nigeria, with recent outbreaks stressing the urgency for effective prevention and control. Understanding the epidemiology and root causes of dengue outbreaks in Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto state, is important for targeted intervention. The recommended Takeda dengue vaccine holds promise in mitigating the disease burden, but challenges such as vaccine acceptance and accessibility persist. Future prevention efforts should prioritize government intervention, community practices, and innovative vector control measures to curb dengue transmission. This study provides insights for policymakers and healthcare professionals in addressing the dengue challenge in Nigeria.