24 November 2019 – The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) reported 11 new cases of chikungunya during epidemiological week 47 (17 – 23 November) of 2019. The cumulative number of reported cases this year is 177 including four associated deaths with a case fatality rate of 2.2%. Among all reported cases 65% were female and 69% were older than 15 years of age. The most affected age group were those between 15 and 29.9 years who accounted for 37% of all cases. Currently, six states are reporting Chikungunya cases, namely South Darfur, West Darfur, East Darfur, Kassala, Sennar and White Nile. The most affected among them are West Darfur (131 cases) and South Darfur (23 cases).

Among the total number of cases, 86% complained of fever. Other frequent symptoms included joint pain followed by headache (78% and 62% respectively). Only 6% had bleeding.

Blood samples were collected from 68 patients with 36 coming out positive and 24 negative as reported by the National Public Health Laboratory of Sudan. Results for 11 samples are still pending.

WHO continues to provide leadership and support for activities with health authorities and partners to respond to this ongoing chikungunya outbreak, including case management, surveillance, laboratory investigations and risk communication. Entomological surveillance and vector control measures are also being implemented.