Dengue epidemic in Chad: a race against time to contain the disease

– Advertisement-

Chad’s Ministry of Public Health and Prevention has confirmed an outbreak of dengue fever in the Abéché region, raising concerns as the disease spreads rapidly.

In an official announcement dated August 7, 2023, the Chadian Ministry of Public Health and Prevention confirmed the presence of a dengue epidemic in the health district of Abéché, located in the province of Ouadaï, east from the country. The results of samples taken and analyzed by the National Laboratory for Biosecurity and Epidemics (LaBiEp) in N’Djamena indicated the presence of the dengue virus.

Common symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash. Although most cases are mild, the severe form of the disease, called dengue hemorrhagic fever, can lead to life-threatening complications, including shock. Faced with this growing threat, Chadian authorities have issued clear guidelines for residents and travelers in the affected regions.

– Advertisement-

“Residents and travelers staying in areas where dengue is present should take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites. Anyone with a fever within two weeks of returning from an infected area should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible.”the ministry said in a statement.

The dengue fever outbreak in Abéché comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that nearly half of the world’s population is at risk of dengue virus infection. The WHO has also noted an alarming increase in dengue fever cases in recent years, with cases increasing eightfold between 2000 and 2022. This trend underscores the urgency of strengthening disease prevention and control measures.