By Riches Soberekon
Chad’s Ministry of Health has announced an alarming outbreak of dengue fever in the eastern region of the country. This viral disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, poses a serious threat to public health.
The Minister of Health, Abdermadjid Abderahim Mahamat, issued a statement confirming the epidemic in the health district of Abéché, the capital of the Ouaddaï region.
According to the ministry, samples collected and analyzed on August 7th have confirmed the presence of the dengue fever outbreak. However, the encouraging news is that no fatalities have been reported thus far.
Dengue fever, prevalent in hot countries, primarily affects urban and semi-urban areas, causing millions of infections worldwide every year, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, hemorrhaging that can be life-threatening.
It is crucial for individuals to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites. This includes using mosquito repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating stagnant water sources that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
The Ministry of Health urges the public to remain vigilant and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with dengue fever.
Additionally, the government is actively working to implement preventive measures and raise awareness about the outbreak to curb its spread.