Ivory Coast: Authorities confirm 130 cases of dengue fever in June

Event

More than 130 cases of dengue fever (including two deaths) were confirmed in Abidjan in June. The majority of cases were found in the suburb of Cocody, where authorities are currently carrying out anti-mosquito spraying and other preventative measures in a bid to contain further spread of the mosquito-borne disease. Officials from the National Institute of Public Health (INHP) commented that while the number of cases is significant, authorities possess the necessary resources to combat the outbreak.

Context

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, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals 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 (small pockets of fresh water, such as rain water that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.). Anyone presenting symptoms of dengue fever is advised to seek immediate medical attention.