24 December 2019 – The Federal Ministry of Health of Sudan reported 100 new cases of dengue during epidemiological week 51 (15–21 December 2019). The cumulative number of reported cases since week 31 (28 July–5 August) this year is 4133 cases, including 13 associated deaths, giving a case–fatality rate of 0.3%. The attack rate was 5.13 per 10 000 population. Among all reported cases, 47% are female and 70.9% are older than 15 years of age.

On 8 August 2019 the Federal Ministry of Health announced an outbreak of dengue fever in Kassala State after cases were first reported during week 31 and then spread to other states. Currently, 33 localities in 10 states are affected by dengue, namely Al-Jazerah, Algdaref, East Darfur, Kassala, Kurdofan, North Darfur, North Sennar, Red Sea, South Darfur and West Darfur. The majority of cases were reported from Kassala State (>94% cases).

Most of the patients complained of fever, headache and joint pain (99.7%, 94.7% and 79.3%, respectively). Only 7% (291) had bleeding, with around 59% of them having nose bleed.

Blood samples were collected from 201 patients, with 78 testing positive by ELISA and PCR, as reported by the National Public Health Laboratory of Sudan.

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

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