Côte d’Ivoire: Dengue outbreak escalates in Abidjan area

Event

The government of Côte d'Ivoire announced on Wednesday, August 2, it will launch a campaign to combat the ongoing dengue epidemic, particularly in Abidjan and the surrounding cities. The Ministry of Health (MOH) first notified the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 6 of a dengue fever outbreak in Abidjan. Since then, two people have died out of 311 confirmed cases and 911 suspected cases of the disease.

Context

Dengue cases were first reported in April 2017 in Cocody-Bingerville health district, and the majority of cases have been reported in Abidjan city. The rate of discovery of suspected cases has been increasing, with more than 140 cases reported between July 4 and 11.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease mostly found in urban and semi-urban areas. 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. No specific treatment or vaccine is currently available. Be aware that aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) should be avoided as these drugs may worsen bleeding issues associated with the disease. Patients may be given doses of acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Advice

To minimize the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases, use insect repellent, wear covering clothing, and consider sleeping under mosquito netting if in high-risk areas. If you develop a high fever during or after travel in areas affected by dengue, seek immediate medical attention.

On a separate note, due to tensions between ethnic groups and occasional outbreaks of deadly violence, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to the southwestern border areas with Liberia (Bas-Sassandra, Haut-Sassandra, Dix-Huit Montagnes regions).