Yemen: Reports of Dengue fever and malaria outbreaks November 25

Event

At least 9970 cases of Dengue fever have been reported in Yemen as of Monday, November 25. More than 7970 cases of the dengue breakout have been reported in Taiz alone, and another 2000 in Hodeida. Another 3000 people have been infected with malaria in Hodeida as well. Around 50 people have died in late October and early November of dengue fever and malaria in Hodeida. Figures are likely to be much higher than those that have been reported.

Further spread of the disease is 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. In a small number of cases, the potentially deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) may develop, resulting in internal bleeding, enlargement of the liver, and high fever.

Advice

Individuals present in Jamaica 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.).