Burkina Faso: Dengue fever outbreak

Event

The Burkina Faso Ministry of Health declared a dengue fever outbreak on Thursday, September 28, after registering a large increase in the number of reported cases, particularly in Ouagadougou. As of Sunday, October 8, nearly 2300 cases have been registered nationwide in 2017, with nine associated fatalities. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that these statistics may underestimate the number of cases due to poor reporting standards in rural areas.

Context

Dengue fever is transmitted via the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms of classic dengue fever include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, the enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging. No specific treatment or vaccine is currently available. The disease is mostly found in urban and semi-urban areas. Be aware that aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) should be avoided as these drugs may worsen bleeding issues associated with the diseases. Patients may be given doses of acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Advice

Individuals in Burkina Faso are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites - e.g., by wearing loose, covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or in an air-conditioned room - and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds.