Dengue in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports continuing widespread transmission of dengue fever in African countries.

The following countries have reported dengue cases from 1 January 2023 to 19 December 2023:

Benin: 6 cases (1 death)

Burkina Faso: 146 878 cases (688 deaths)

Cabo Verde: 410 cases

Chad: 1 342 cases (1 death)

Côte d'Ivoire: 3 895 cases (27 deaths)

Ethiopia: 14 249 cases (7 deaths)

Ghana: 18 cases

Guinea: 1 case

Mali: 4 427 cases (29 deaths)

Mauritius: 265 cases

Niger: 148 cases

Nigeria: 72 cases

Sao Tome and Principe: 69 cases

Senegal: 203 cases

Togo: 8 cases

Dengue virus is spread by Aedes mosquito bites and can cause a flu-like illness, sometimes leading to severe or life-threatening disease.

Advice for Travellers

Dengue is an infection found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide.

All travellers to endemic regions are potentially at risk of dengue fever and should be aware of this infection.

Aedes mosquitoes are particularly persistent and aggressive. They bite between dawn and dusk.

• Prevention relies on avoiding mosquito bites at all times.

A new dengue vaccine Qdenga® has been licensed in the UK and is awaiting JCVI recommendations for use.

Travellers developing a fever during or on return from travel are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

For further information see TRAVAX dengue fever page.