Dengue Fever Outbreak in Burkina Faso

21 Nov 2016

On the 18 November 2016 the WHO (World Health Organisation) reported an outbreak of dengue fever virus in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.

Between 5 August to 12 November 2016 a total of 1266 suspected cases were reported, of which 15 died. These cases have been reported from all 12 districts of Ouagadougou. Additionally, two other regions have reported cases, Sahel Region in the north (12 cases) and the Hauts-Bassins region in the west (6 cases).

In response the Burkina Faso Ministry of Health plans to incorporate dengue surveillance into existing disease surveillance and response mechanisms. A coordinated response plan has been developed which includes mosquito control and risk communication.

Advice for Travellers

All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection. Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites.