The Chadian Ministry of Public Health and Prevention has confirmed the outbreak of a dengue epidemic in the Abéché region, raising concerns as the disease spreads rapidly.
In an official announcement dated August 7, 2023, the Chadian Ministry of Public Health and Prevention confirmed the presence of a dengue epidemic in the health district of Abéché, located in the Ouadaï province in the east of the country. The results of samples taken and analyzed by the National Laboratory of Biosafety and Epidemics (LaBiEp) in N’Djamena indicated the presence of the dengue virus.
Common symptoms of dengue include high fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, and skin rashes. While most cases are mild, the severe form of the disease, known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, can lead to potentially fatal complications, including shock. Faced with this growing threat, Chadian authorities have issued clear guidelines for residents and travelers in the affected regions.
“Residents and travelers staying in areas where dengue is present should take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites. Anyone with a fever within two weeks of returning from an infected area should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible,” the ministry stated in a press release.
The dengue epidemic in Abéché comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that nearly half of the global population is at risk of dengue virus infection. The WHO has also noted an alarming increase in dengue cases in recent years, with an eightfold increase in cases between 2000 and 2022. This trend underscores the urgency of strengthening disease prevention and control measures.
