9 December 2019 – The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) of Sudan reported 15 new cases of chikungunya during epidemiological week 49 (1–7 December) of 2019. The cumulative number of reported cases this year is 225 including five associated deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 2.2%. Among all reported cases, 64% were female and 68% were older than 15 years of age. The most affected age group were those between 15 and 29.9 years, who accounted for 38% of all cases. Currently, seven states are reporting chikungunya cases, namely Al Jazirah, East Darfur, Kassala, Sennar, South Darfur, West Darfur and White Nile. The most affected among them are West Darfur (172 cases) and East Darfur (24 cases).

Among the total number of cases, 87% complained of fever. Other frequent symptoms included joint pain followed by headache (78% and 64% respectively). Only 6% had bleeding.

Blood samples were collected from 155 patients, with 49 showing positive and 68 negative, as reported by the National Public Health Laboratory of Sudan. Results for 38 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.

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