Outbreak of Dengue Fever Declared by Ministry of Health
Category: Health and Medical
Severity: 2 (Low)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/17/2017 (Burkina Faso) - According to international media reports on Monday, 16 October, the Burkinabe Ministry of Health declared a dengue fever outbreak on 28 September after an increase in incidents of the mosquito borne viral disease in the country, particularly around the capital, Ouagadougou. Since the beginning of the year, there have been 2,298 reported cases of the disease. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that the weekly case incidence has been on the rise since the detection of the outbreak and that these figures are likely to be underestimated due to lack of reporting from more remote areas.
As there is no curative treatment for dengue, preventative measures and early detection are considered the best practices to minimise contraction. Clients are advised to use DEET-based mosquito repellent and wear long, loose clothing to prevent mosquito bites; premises should be checked on a daily basis for potential mosquito breeding habitats. Travellers are also advised to monitor the local media to remain abreast of outbreak-related developments and other public health announcements.
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