24 November 2019 – The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) reported 377 new cases of dengue during epidemiological week 46 (17 – 23 November) of 2019. The cumulative number of reported cases since week 31 (28 July – 5 August) this year is 2872 cases including nine associated deaths with a case fatality rate of 0.3%. The attack rate was three per 10 000 population. Among all reported cases 46% are female and 70.1% are older than 15 years of age.

On 8 August 2019 FMOH announced an outbreak of dengue fever in Kassala State after cases were first reported during week 31 and then spread to other states. Currently 24 localities in nine states are affected by dengue, namely Kassala, North Darfur, Red Sea, South Darfur, West Darfur, Algdaref, North Kurdofan, Sennar and East Darfur. The majority of cases were reported from Kassala state (2711 cases) followed by West Darfur (83 cases).

Most of the cases complained from fever, joint pain and headache (99%, 94.6%, and 92.3% respectively). Only 7.2% (209) had bleeding, a little over half of whom from the nose.

Blood samples were collected from 165 patients from two states, with 61 testing positive and 32 negative by ELIZA and PCR, as reported by the National Public Health Laboratory of Sudan. Results for 72 samples are still pending.

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.