Dengue Fever Outbreak in Khartoum: 6 Deaths and 32 Cases Recorded

Khartoum, September 10, 2024 – A recent outbreak of dengue fever in the “Soba East” area of Khartoum has resulted in 6 deaths and 32 cases, according to the Medical Office of the East Nile Emergency Room.

The affected areas include Al-Shaqila, Al-Salamah, and Al-Tawairab, with 7 children, 18 men, and 15 women among the cases. The deceased include three children, one female, and two males.

Lina Lutfi, Coordinator of the East Nile Emergency Room Medical Office, stated that the deaths were due to cases that reached the bleeding stage, the final stage of dengue fever.

Lutfi described the deteriorating health situation in the region, making it challenging to combat dengue fever. The area is also experiencing an increase in autumn diseases, including malaria, diarrhea, typhoid, urinary infections, and anemia, affecting citizens of all ages.

A Catastrophic Health Situation

Lutfi warned of the prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among children, stating that the health situation east of the Nile is catastrophic. The lack of access to clean water, with many relying on water directly from the Nile, exacerbates the issue.

The medical offices face significant challenges, including a lack of resources and support for diagnosis. There are no medical units in the affected areas, and hospital resources are scarce.

Lutfi emphasized that preventive measures are the only solution, given the deteriorating environmental conditions during the autumn season, when disease vectors are active.

Environmental Sanitation Campaigns and Education

The East Nile Emergency Room aims to organize environmental sanitation campaigns but is facing difficulties due to a lack of support in the health sector. The emergency room also plans to conduct educational campaigns to inform citizens about the dangers of dengue fever, including its detection, symptoms, transmission, and prevention methods.