Dengue Outbreak in Hadramout, Yemen, 2010: An Epidemiological Perspective

Abstract

Abstract. We analyzed surveillance data of a dengue outbreak (2010) reported to the Hadramout Health Office (Yemen) and retrospectively analyzed dengue-related epidemiological and entomological events reported in Hadramout from 2005 to 2009. A total of 630 immunoglobulin M (IgM) -confirmed dengue cases of 982 febrile cases was reported during the period from February to June of 2010; 12 cases died, giving case fatality a rate of 1.9%. Among febrile cases, the highest proportion of dengue cases (37.3%) was reported in the 15-to 24-year-old age group. The overall attack rate was 0.89/1,000. The average number of cases reported by month over the preceding 5-year period compared with the 2010 data is consistent with endemicity of dengue in the region and supports epidemic designation for the dengue activity in 2010. Recognition of endemic dengue transmission and potential for substantial dengue epidemics highlight the need for consistent laboratory-based surveillance that can support prevention and control activities accordingly.

Clinical spectrum of dengue fever in hospitalized children in Mukalla city, Yemen after the attack of Chapala cyclone Nov. 2015

“…It is caused by four closely related, antigenically similar serotypes of DENV 1-4 [3]; an enveloped, single-stranded RNA virus of filoviridae family [1]. [7,8], and most cases in Hadhramaut occurred in the spring and summer [8]. This seasonal variation is similar to the pattern of dengue occurrence in Saudi Arabia [14].…”

“…In general, Yemen lacks quality healthcare service and adequate infrastructure facilities, and concerns are usually focused on crisis management of the dengue epidemics rather than implementing a strategy to control dengue epidemics in the long run [8].…”

“…In November 2015, an increasing number of dengue cases were reported by the Ministry of Health in Hadhramaut following the tropical Chapala cyclone [9]. Unfortunately, the true burden of dengue epidemic cannot be estimated due to under-recognition or underreporting because of limited resources or problems of accessibility [8].…”

Zika virus: no cases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region but concerns remain

“…Sporadic cases of dengue fever, either locally transmitted or imported, have been reported from Djibouti, Egypt and Oman while explosive outbreaks of dengue fever have been reported in the past from Pakistan (13), Sudan (14) and Yemen (15), chikungunya from Yemen (16) and yellow fever from Sudan (17). These outbreaks have been propagated by the high density of Aedes mosquitoes that usually peaks during the summer months and also during the rainy season when water for household use is temporarily stored in household containers, especially in urban areas.…”

Dengue: Update on Epidemiology

“…Several papers describe the emergence of dengue in the Middle East [25,26], especially in the Arabian peninsula. Large epidemics have been reported from Yeman and Saudi Arabia since the mid 1990s.…”