14 Oct 2024 | 01:47 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas, especially Nangarhar Province, in October /update 1
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Afghanistan in October. Nangarhar is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas in Afghanistan, with an additional 531 cases reported Sept. 8-Oct. 5, bringing the total count to 2,597 cases (447 confirmed) since Jan. 1. This is compared to 874 total cases (88 confirmed) reported over a similar period in 2023. Nangarhar (2,552 cases) is the most affected province, followed by Kabul (34 cases) and Ghazni (11 cases). Health officials continue to conduct outbreak response activities, including distributing rapid diagnostic tests to affected areas and training healthcare workers and lab technicians on dengue fever case management and diagnosis. This report represents the most complete data available as of Oct. 14.
If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
Dengue fever is endemic in Afghanistan and was first detected in 2019. In 2022 and 2023, it spread along seven border provinces in the country’s eastern and south-eastern regions, threatening approximately five million people living in high-risk areas due to rapid population movements. Health officials reported 1,496 cases in Afghanistan in 2023 and 1,266 cases in 2022.
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated promptly. There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) and Qdenga (TAK-003). Dengvaxia is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and who live in dengue-endemic countries or areas. Qdenga is recommended for use in children aged 6-16 in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. Check with your healthcare provider if dengue vaccination is needed.
