“Between January 1 and October 15, 2023, a total of 50,478 suspected dengue cases were reported, including 25,502 probable cases and 214 deaths,” announced the government in a statement. The Aedes albopictus mosquito—commonly known as the tiger mosquito—has been wreaking havoc across Burkina Faso, triggering a severe dengue and chikungunya epidemic.

“From October 9 to 15 alone, authorities recorded 10,117 suspected cases, including 4,377 probable cases and 48 deaths.” The outbreak remains active in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, where health officials have also confirmed over 200 cases of chikungunya since September. Read more: Dengue fever, the forgotten epidemic in Africa

Strategies to combat the outbreak

Rising temperatures and intensified rainfall have created ideal conditions for tiger mosquito proliferation and dengue virus spread. “To effectively address this public health crisis, authorities have implemented several measures, including free rapid diagnostic tests in public health facilities,” stated the Minister of Health. Additionally, a targeted mosquito control spraying campaign has been launched in the most affected urban areas.

While Burkina Faso has recorded dengue cases since the 1960s, its first confirmed epidemic occurred in 2017, resulting in 13 deaths. Transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito—similar to malaria, which shares overlapping symptoms—dengue is a virus predominantly found in tropical regions. The World Health Organization estimates that the disease causes 100 to 400 million infections annually, primarily in urban and semi-urban zones. Severe cases can lead to high fever, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, and even life-threatening hemorrhages.