Oman: Dengue fever outbreak reported in Muscat

Event

According to Omani health officials, at least 33 cases of dengue fever have been reported in Muscat and surrounding areas in 2018 as of mid-December. At least three of the cases were reportedly locally-acquired. Public health measures, including fumigation campaigns aimed at eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, are possible in the coming weeks.

Context

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms 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, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals present in Oman, and particularly Muscat, are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).